We're coming to you live from Washington, D.C., at the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Summit—the largest gathering of small business owners in U.S. history. With more than 2,700 entrepreneurs in one place, the energy is electric, and the conversations are powerful. Among them is our guest, Brandon Dahms, owner of Innovative Manufacturing & Engineering (IME) in Des Moines, Iowa.

Brandon's story captures what this summit is all about—growth, resilience, and transformation. After starting his career with plans to work in sports marketing, he took an unexpected turn into manufacturing and never looked back. Today, his 10,000-square-foot, lights-out machining operation runs nearly 24/7, serving as proof that automation, strategy, and strong leadership can turn even the smallest shop into a powerhouse.

In this episode, we talk with Brandon about how the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program helped him refine his growth strategy, strengthen his company culture, and position IME for long-term success. We dive into what it's like to go through a program that feels like an "MBA for real-world business owners" and how it shaped his ability to pivot from a traditional job shop to a high-volume, automated manufacturer.

We also explore the advocacy side of the program—how small business owners like Brandon are meeting directly with congressional leaders to influence policy on issues that affect manufacturers every day: workforce development, healthcare costs, and economic uncertainty. From his experience in the classroom to his conversations on Capitol Hill, Brandon shows how one voice can help represent the entire metalworking nation.

If you've ever wondered how programs like this can truly impact your business—and why stepping outside your bubble might be the key to future growth—this conversation is one you don't want to miss.

• (0:39) Grow your top and bottom line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA)
• (1:15) Recording at the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Summit
• (2:48) Brandon Dahms' origin story in metalworking
• (6:07) Why "Innovative Manufacturing & Engineering" stuck (and why it's a long email address)
• (7:17) Why apply for the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program?
• (11:13) Why the investment of time is invaluable—Brandon's personal ROI
• (12:40) Manufacturing's place in the conversation: explaining CNC to non-manufacturers
• (13:30) The Voices advocacy program: How advocacy efforts translate into real policy conversations
• (16:05) Navigating uncertainty: Tariffs, government shutdowns, and planning for growth
• (18:16) SMW Autoblok: automation and workholding innovation
• (19:28) Applying 10KSB lessons to IME—pivoting, culture, and core values
• (21:08) Pivoting from job shop to high-volume manufacturing and reshoring work
• (22:51) Presenting the capstone project (a real-world growth plan)
• (24:34) How networking led to new high-volume customers
• (26:53) Balancing capacity, growth, and selectivity in customer relationships
• (28:21) Hiring for core values first, technical skill second (and personality tests that help)
• (31:20) Aligning personal goals with company growth
• (33:07) How to apply for the 10,000 Small Businesses program and what to expect
• (34:45) How MakingChips' "Machine Shop MBA" series aligns with the same mission
• (36:44) Why the best ideas often come from outside your industry
• (38:00) Hire MFG Leaders—find manufacturing talent that fits

• Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Summit
• Connect with Brandon Dahms on LinkedIn
• Grow your top and bottom line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA)
• SMW Autoblok: automation and workholding innovation
• Hire MFG Leaders—find manufacturing talent that fits
• Apply for Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses

• www.MakingChips.com
• On Facebook
• On LinkedIn
• On Instagram
• On Twitter
• On YouTube

In this powerful installment of the Machine Shop MBA series, we welcome two guests who embody the heart of continuous improvement: Noah Goellner, President of AME and Hennig, and Nick DeGeorgia, Manufacturing Engineer at P1 Industries.

What starts as a story of one listener's journey—from cutting chips to becoming a lean champion—evolves into a masterclass on how lean thinking transforms not just the shop floor, but every function of an organization. Nick shares how MakingChips inspired him to bring process improvement into his career, using whiteboards, kaizen events, and a relentless focus on reducing waste to reshape his company culture.

We also break down how lean applies far beyond machining—into quoting, engineering, office workflows, and even sales strategy. They unpack how to start small, gain buy-in, and build trust that leads to sustained results.

From Kanban systems to complete-and-accurate feedback loops, this conversation bridges the gap between concept and practice. Whether you're a shop leader, engineer, or business owner, this episode offers a blueprint for turning lean from a buzzword into a daily habit that drives clarity, collaboration, and growth.

• (0:00) A Goellner family introduction and a musical interlude gone wrong
• (1:36) Meet Nick DeGeorgia — how MakingChips inspired his lean journey
• (5:25) Moving from a large OEM to a small contract manufacturer
• (7:02) Come see us at the Top Shops 2025 event in Charlotte, NC!
• (7:28) Reintroducing Noah and how lean shaped AME and Hennig's company culture
• (8:45) Paul's lean journey: ISO, standardization, kaizen newspapers, and cutting waste
• (10:31) Defining lean — eliminating waste vs. maximizing flow of value
• (12:38) Where to start: applying lean based on your role and customer definition
• (18:19) Process success mapping: starting at the end to define what success looks like
• (20:31) Using "complete and accurate" feedback to fix systemic process issues
• (21:15) Why you should use Hire MFG Leaders for recruiting
• (21:42) How to gain buy-in when you're not in leadership
• (22:31) Mapping processes and linking operations to customer outcomes
• (23:10) Implementing "no hunting" and Kanban systems at P1 Industries
• (26:12) P1's Kanban system explained (visual signaling for just-in-time replenishment)
• (29:30) Building trust and reliability so teams want to surface problems
• (30:30) Level 1 meetings, rewarding problem identification, and closing the loop on improvement
• (35:14) "Lean isn't magic—it's discipline in the basics."
• (36:00) How ProShop embeds lean principles across the manufacturing workflow
• (41:53) Top lean book recommendations and building a lean network
• (44:41) Final reflections: staying humble, staying curious, and sticking to the basics
• (49:37) Grow your top and bottom line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA)

• Come see us at the Top Shops 2025 event in Charlotte, NC!
• Why you should use Hire MFG Leaders for recruiting
• 2 Second Lean
• Toyota Kata
• The Toyota Way
• The Goal
• Learning to See
• Managing to Learn
• The Kind Leader
• The E Myth

• www.MakingChips.com
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• On LinkedIn
• On Instagram
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• On YouTube

Every machine shop relies on outside processes—whether that's heat treating, plating, grinding, or coating. But every time a part leaves your building, your risk profile changes. Quality, timing, and accountability become harder to control. In this episode of MakingChips, the hosts sit down with Charlie Hushek, owner of Phoenix Heat Treating and a newly minted machine shop owner, to unpack what it really takes to manage outside processes like a pro.

Charlie's experience on both sides of the fence—running a generational heat-treating company and now owning a machining operation—gives him a rare perspective on what separates smooth partnerships from painful ones. He shares the top mistakes shops make when sending parts out, how to build lasting vendor relationships, and how to turn your outside processes into a seamless extension of your own workflow.

The conversation dives deep into practical strategies for planning, communication, and documentation, plus how to handle the inevitable hiccups along the way. From establishing fixed processes to verifying incoming and outgoing inspections, this episode equips manufacturing leaders with the tools they need to reduce risk, improve consistency, and strengthen their supplier relationships.

If you've ever lost sleep waiting on a heat-treating order—or had a part fall off a truck—this one's for you.

• (0:00) Highlights from the Automated Shop Conference and the rise of blue-collar value
• (3:40) Introducing Charlie Hushek, third-generation owner of Phoenix Heat Treating
• (5:00) The connection between automation, culture, and building value in acquisitions
• (7:09) Phoenix Heat Treating's transparency advantage: real-time client portal tracking
• (8:19) How each added process increases risk, scrap rate, and lead time
• (10:10) Real-world stories: when parts fall off trucks and lessons learned from it
• (11:26) Building relationships and setting expectations with outside vendors
• (12:57) Why "heat treat per print" isn't enough—clarity prevents costly mistakes
• (15:50) Inviting vendors to planning meetings to align early on risk and tolerance
• (17:45) The value of educating yourself about heat treating and other outsourced processes
• (18:27) Treating your vendors like partners—turn them into extensions of your shop
• (19:36) Relationship-building tips: tours, face-to-face meetings, and yes, donuts
• (20:31) Drill in on your workholding with SMW Autoblok
• (21:15) How clear documentation and fixed process numbers can save time and eliminate confusion
• (26:34) Using ERP systems like ProShop to manage outside processes and supplier specs
• (27:41) Why outgoing and incoming inspections are critical for accountability
• (28:57) Handling disputes over damage, missing parts, or quality issues
• (32:33) How ProShop automates documentation and visual tracking for outside operations
• (35:03) Liability and how heat treaters manage high-risk, high-value parts
• (38:28) The importance of empathy when resolving quality issues
• (39:57) Quoting faster: what information outside vendors need upfront
• (41:46) The "Hot Potato vs. Baton Pass" analogy—how to work as one unified team
• (43:40) Why relationship-building directly impacts quoting speed and quality priority
• (44:31) Eliminate risk by integrating your partners into your process
• (46:41) Make sure you meet us at Top Shops 2025!

• Phoenix Heat Treating's transparency advantage: real-time client portal tracking
• Drill in on your workholding with SMW Autoblok
• Get 20% off your Top Shops 2025 ticket with code MAK20
• Connect with Charlie on LinkedIn

• www.MakingChips.com
• On Facebook
• On LinkedIn
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• On YouTube

Finance doesn't have to be a mystery—it can be your greatest advantage. In this episode of the Machine Shop MBA series, we sit down with Jon Hughes, Erik Skie, and Mike Estes from CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) to unpack the financial principles that separate high-performing shops from those that just get by. Together, they dig into how manufacturers can transform their accounting systems from mere compliance tools into strategic assets that fuel growth.

From understanding capacity and pricing to mastering forecasting and job costing, this conversation bridges the gap between the shop floor and the balance sheet. CLA's experts explain why simplicity often beats complexity, how to avoid "bad business" when chasing volume, and why aligning cost structure with capacity utilization is the secret to consistent profitability.

They also explore how automation and advanced equipment investments change the financial equation, why separating costing from pricing is essential, and how the best-run shops use forecasting not just to plan—but to learn. Whether you're running a $3M job shop or a $30M operation, this episode gives you the tools to make smarter financial decisions and build long-term resilience.

• (1:03) Recapping Nick's trip to EMO in Germany
• (1:52) Meet the guests: Jon Hughes, Erik Skie, and Mike Estes from CLA
• (4:38) Grow your top and bottom-line with CLA
• (7:06) Keep it simple: Capacity vs. demand (the key to unlocking consistent profitability)
• (9:19) Why labor is effectively a fixed cost in modern manufacturing
• (12:21) When increasing capacity is a smart risk and when it's not
• (15:08) Activity-based costing and why not all machines should share the same rate
• (16:38) Why we love Phoenix Heat Treating for outside processing
• (17:47) How to price automation and capture its true value
• (20:30) Separating cost from price & matching pricing strategy to niche and capacity
• (25:06) The danger of underutilized automation and inflated rates
• (27:09) How customer communication improves quoting accuracy and margins
• (28:38) The "death spiral" of bad quoting assumptions
• (30:57) Understanding your cost structure vs. chasing perfect accuracy
• (32:46) Material-heavy jobs, overhead allocation, and avoiding double-dipping
• (35:25) Demystifying EDM technology with Methods Machine Tools Bill Burba
• (49:17) Forecasting and budgeting: why they matter beyond the numbers
• (52:35) Linking your business model to your P&L for smarter decision-making
• (54:23) How to use forecasting to test your assumptions
• (56:05) Killing unprofitable jobs ("deselecting customers") and improving mix
• (1:01:10) Meet us at Top Shops 2025 in Charlotte, NC

• Grow your top and bottom-line with CLA
• Why we love Phoenix Heat Treating for outside processing
• Get more information about EDM technology from Methods Machine Tools
• Business Model Canvas
• Meet us at Top Shops 2025 in Charlotte, NC

• www.MakingChips.com
• On Facebook
• On LinkedIn
• On Instagram
• On Twitter
• On YouTube

What happens when two brothers with a racing background decide to start a machine shop—with zero machining experience? You get Olson Custom Designs, a company that's gone from two Haas machines in 2014 to nearly 90 employees today—serving medical, defense, and aerospace industries out of a world-class facility in Indianapolis.

In this episode, we sit down with Mitch and Brian Olson to unpack the remarkable story behind their explosive growth. They share how their competitive drive from sprint car racing carried over to machining, the lessons learned from starting with no industry experience, and the systems that have fueled their scale—from culture to ProShop ERP.

The brothers talk openly about the struggles of starting from scratch, the importance of integrity and teamwork, and how they've built a facility and a culture that attracts top young talent. They also dig into how automation, palletization, and continuous improvement have allowed them to grow at breakneck speed without losing control of quality—or their vision for what manufacturing should look like.

This episode is packed with lessons on grit, growth, and leadership for anyone looking to take their shop from humble beginnings to high performance.

• (0:58) The inspiring origin story of Olson Custom Designs
• (6:30) Grow your top and bottom line with CliftonLarsonAllen
• (7:08) Why integrity and belief in the customer's mission drive everything they do
• (10:13) Changing the perception of manufacturing through aesthetics and culture
• (12:37) Attracting young, passionate machinists with technology and image
• (13:54) The evolution of automation and palletization in a high-mix environment
• (16:21) Running 24/7 with volunteers and flexible shifts
• (18:02) Investing in ProShop ERP is an investment in your business
• (19:38) Creating a culture of accountability and clarity
• (21:38) The core values that guide OCD—integrity, fairness, and transparency
• (24:20) Systems that scale: how ProShop ERP became their backbone
• (30:45) Giving every employee a voice in continuous improvement
• (33:11) Section 232 Tariffs: What manufacturers need to know and how to comment
• (40:53) Brothers in business: why partnership made their success possible
• (43:10) The importance of complementary strengths and mutual respect
• (45:00) Sales and marketing as a growth engine—never taking your foot off the gas
• (49:09) Final takeaways: don't give up, ask for help, and delegate
• (52:09) Looking to hire? Check out Hire MFG Leaders

• Olson Custom Designs
• Connect with Mitch and Brian
• Grow your top and bottom line with CliftonLarsonAllen
• Investing in ProShop ERP is an investment in your business
• Looking to hire? Check out Hire MFG Leaders

• www.MakingChips.com
• On Facebook
• On LinkedIn
• On Instagram
• On Twitter
• On YouTube

Recruiting and retaining great people is one of the biggest challenges in manufacturing today—but what if the solution isn't just about wages or benefits, but about building a culture where people thrive? In this episode of the Machine Shop MBA series, we are joined by guest co-host Jon Franko and special guest Mike Tamasi, CEO of AccuRounds, a former Top Shops award winner for Human Resources.

Mike shares how AccuRounds has become an employer of choice by focusing on community engagement, core values, and creating opportunity for every team member. From partnering with vocational schools and launching unique workforce development programs to embracing servant leadership and lifelong learning, Mike reveals why culture is not a buzzword—it's a competitive advantage.

You'll hear how AccuRounds is tackling the workforce shortage by looking beyond traditional talent pools, empowering young people through co-ops and internships, and even launching initiatives like the Uniquely Abled Academy to provide CNC training for adults on the autism spectrum. The results? A highly engaged team, industry recognition, and stories of employees buying homes, building families, and creating meaningful careers.

If you're a shop leader struggling with workforce challenges—or simply looking for fresh ideas on how to build a resilient and loyal team—this episode is packed with lessons you can implement immediately.

• (1:00) Stay vigilant—don't fall for this latest phone scam
• (3:47) Mike's shares the background of AccuRounds and their Top Shops Award
• (5:18) Community involvement: Redefining manufacturing as "safe, smart, sustainable, and sexy"
• (8:06) Head to the EBITDA Growth Systems Double Your Value Event
• (9:13) The growing demand for trade schools vs. college enrollment
• (10:02) Co-ops, internships, and the importance of lifelong learning opportunities
• (14:22) Creative talent pipelines: Programs for autistic adults, refugees, and formerly incarcerated workers
• (16:33) Core values in action: Gratitude, Excellence, Team First, Initiative, Trust (GET IT)
• (20:06) Retention strategies: safety, flexibility, lean practices, and environment
• (22:41) Layering in corporate social responsibility practices
• (24:26) Apprenticeship and leadership training for employees at every level
• (26:29) Why you should come see us at AMT's MTForecast
• (27:45) Invest in technology and opportunities to keep people engaged and growing
• (32:45) Stories of employee success: buying homes, raising families, and long-term loyalty
• (35:09) Recognition and international visitors: building a reputation through culture
• (38:43) The importance of servant leadership—culture cannot be outsourced to HR
• (40:12) Lessons in flexibility: "freedom with fences"
• (43:16) Jason Ray: Leveraging technology as a recruiting and retention tool
• (51:29) Scheduling and the shift away from second shift
• (54:38) Learn more about the Manufacturing Employer podcast
• (57:29) RASRAM = Reasons to check out the SMW Autoblok catalog

• Connect with Mike Tamasi
• AccuRounds
• Machine Shop Mastery Episode #42
• See Paul at the EBITDA Growth Systems Double Your Value Event (Get 20% off registration with code DYV25MC)
• The Uniquely Abled Project
• Hidden Talent by David DeLong
• US Navy Talent Pipeline Program
• Why you should come see us at AMT's MTForecast
• Small Giants
• Career Spring

• www.MakingChips.com
• On Facebook
• On LinkedIn
• On Instagram
• On Twitter
• On YouTube

Leadership is more than a buzzword—it's the backbone of every successful machine shop. In this episode of MakingChips—Machine Shop MBA, hosts Paul Van Metre and Jen Dubose sit down with Kyra Tillman, owner of BTM Industries, to explore what real leadership looks like on the shop floor and in the front office.

Kyra inherited a decades-old family shop steeped in tradition and transformed it into a forward-looking, systems-driven operation without losing its close-knit culture. Drawing on her experience in construction and her perspective as a non-machinist leader, she shares how she built trust, introduced new systems, and developed her people—all while respecting the expertise already on her team.

This conversation digs into the mechanics of leadership in a small manufacturing business: why humility and transparency matter, how to foster a culture of continuous improvement, and the difference between managing work and leading people. Kyra also outlines her approach to apprenticeship programs, leadership training, and grants, showing that even small shops can invest in their workforce and future.

Whether you're an established owner or just starting your journey, Kyra's lessons on change management, talent development, and leading by example will help you strengthen your shop from the inside out.

• (1:07) Introducing our manager and today's co-host, Jen Dubose
• (5:00) Kyra's background: from construction to leading BTM Industries
• (8:19) Leadership as support and respect for expertise
• (10:02) Modernizing operations: moving beyond index cards
• (11:08) Why you need to join us at MTForecast
• (13:12) Building credibility and trust as a non-machinist leader
• (14:48) Monthly meetings and opening communication channels
• (17:14) Vision and hiring for skill and attitude
• (20:06) How do you build trust with your team?
• (24:03) Creating a culture of continuous improvement and curiosity
• (26:37) Developing talent from within and apprenticeship programs
• (28:17) Join us at Top Shops 2025 in Charlotte, NC
• (29:41) Investing in people: leadership training, grants, and high school interns
• (32:42) External resources: mentorships, peer groups, and local networks
• (35:42) Switching to ProShop ERP and navigating change management
• (39:21) Leading by example and diving in alongside the team
• (40:58) Personal leadership habits: mindfulness, learning, and consistency
• (41:42) Final advice from Kyra for shop owners and leaders
• (45:11) Grow your top and bottom-line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA)

• Why you need to join us at MTForecast
• Get a preview of MTForecast on Buy the Numbers
• Grow your top and bottom-line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA)
• Join us at Top Shops 2025 in Charlotte, NC: Get 20% off your registration with code MAK20
• IMEC
• MCEDC

• www.MakingChips.com
• On Facebook
• On LinkedIn
• On Instagram
• On Twitter
• On YouTube

In this special MakingChips Machine Shop MBA episode, we sit down with Peter Doyle—CEO of Hirsh Precision—to unpack what it takes to grow and transform a machine shop with purpose. From his roots as an Air Force officer to leading a former Top Shops award winner, Peter has blended strategy, structure, and heart into a roadmap any shop leader can learn from.

Peter shares why strategic vision is more than a slogan on a wall. He explains how his team at Hirsh Precision focuses on high-mix, low-volume work, invests heavily in sales and marketing, and positions themselves as partners to engineers—not just parts suppliers. This shift has generated a steady stream of new business opportunities while maintaining the discipline required for regulated industries like aerospace and medical.

Throughout the conversation, Peter emphasizes the importance of deliberate decisions: building customer-centric processes, developing leaders, hiring wisely, and implementing technology and certifications that align with their mission to "improve quality of life through precision manufacturing solutions."

For machine shop owners, managers, and future leaders, this episode is a blueprint for balancing risk with reward—how to create a strategic growth vision, win the right customers, and build a resilient team ready for the next decade of manufacturing innovation.

• (2:42) Peter's career journey from Air Force officer to Deloitte consultant to manufacturing leader
• (4:32) Lessons from Top Shops benchmarking—how to interpret the data and use it to guide strategy
• (5:53) Defining strategic growth: vision, customer focus, structure, agility, and leadership development
• (9:04) Building a sales and marketing engine—brand refresh, website upgrade, CRM adoption, and content strategy
• (10:57) Join us at Top Shops 2025 in Charlotte, NC!
• (11:53) Deciding to purchase and expand the business—risk appetite, growth targets, and new facility
• (14:15) Aligning the team with a growth vision (overcoming skepticism and making decisive calls)
• (15:32) Hiring experienced business development talent and shifting from craft focus to customer experience
• (19:30) Implementing HubSpot CRM, learning to be externally focused, and building scalable marketing systems
• (23:00) The difference between doing sales and managing sales—lessons in leadership at the customer interface
• (27:00) Grow your top and bottom line with CliftonLarsonAllen
• (27:40) Moving beyond the buyer—how Peter built relationships with engineers and C-suite leaders
• (30:00) Choosing industries and customers that inspire—medical devices, surgical robotics, aerospace, and more
• (36:20) Translating customer-centric thinking into technology investments and equipment decisions
• (39:46) Balancing machine tool brand standardization with flexibility and innovation
• (42:40) Leadership evolution—learning to delegate, empower, and coach for high performance
• (45:31) SMART goals and performance management—aligning individual metrics with company-wide strategy
• (47:56) Closing reflections on creating a strategic growth vision and inspiring the next generation of shop leaders
• (49:19) Why you need to join us at MTForecast

• Hirsh Precision
• Peter's episode on Machine Shop Mastery
• Join us at Top Shops 2025 in Charlotte, NC! Discount code: MAK20
• Grow your top and bottom line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA)
• Why you need to join us at MTForecast

• www.MakingChips.com
• On Facebook
• On LinkedIn
• On Instagram
• On Twitter
• On YouTube

If you've ever lost sleep wondering whether you missed a critical detail in a quote—or felt the adrenaline of winning a job only to realize you underpriced it—this MakingChips episode is for you. Recorded live at FABTECH 2025, Nick sits down with Jason Ray, founder of Paperless Parts, to unveil a breakthrough tool that promises to transform how shops handle complex RFQs, drawings, and bills of materials.

Over the past decade, Paperless Parts has become synonymous with solving bottlenecks in estimating and quoting. Their mission has been clear: empower people—not replace them—with software designed to make quoting faster, smarter, and less risky. In this conversation, Jason shares how their latest release takes that vision even further by surfacing critical requirements buried inside complex drawings and bills of materials.

This episode is full of relatable stories and practical lessons. Jason explains how the new "Requirements Review" functionality captures tribal knowledge, accelerates mentoring, and helps shops avoid underpricing jobs while improving their RFQ triage process.

Nick and Jason also dig into the big picture: the hype cycle of AI in manufacturing, the importance of trust and customer retention, and the future of Paperless Parts—including "historical intelligence" and next-level shop insights.

Whether you're a shop owner, estimator, or manufacturing leader, you'll leave this episode with actionable takeaways for quoting more accurately, prioritizing the right work, and scaling your business intelligently.

• (0:53) "I Love Big BOMs": How Paperless Parts tackles large bills of materials=
• (2:27) Bottlenecks in quoting and estimating—and why Paperless Parts was built
• (6:05) AI hype vs. reality in manufacturing software
• (7:39) Quote faster, smarter, and more consistently with Paperless Parts
• (9:20) "AI makes recommendations, humans make decisions"
• (12:38) Introducing "Requirements Review" to surface critical details in drawings
• (14:41) Capturing tribal knowledge and accelerating mentoring before retirements
• (17:13) Why missing something on a print leads to underpricing and margin compression
• (18:45) Using AI to read complex drawing packages and trigger shop-specific rules
• (20:22) Solving simpler problems first: best practices for adopting AI in manufacturing
• (22:14) Why you should join us at MTForecast 2025
• (23:42) Quoting faster without over-engineering or missing key details
• (25:02) RFQs are getting larger—how to triage and prioritize the right work
• (26:47) Building an "ideal part profile" and learning to say no to non-fit work
• (29:54) Safety, flow state, and the hidden costs of taking on bad-fit jobs
• (30:53) Cash flow realities of contract manufacturing and avoiding high-risk mistakes
• (32:32) Aligning Paperless Parts' incentives with customer success and retention
• (34:38) Value-based sales process and proving ROI before the sale
• (38:00) Emotional ROI for shop leaders and software founders alike
• (40:08) Why customer success is tied to clear ROI targets and ongoing support
• (42:27) Selling change management, not just a tool—how Paperless implements software
• (45:32) Looking ahead: Paperless Parts' upcoming user conference and "historical intelligence"
• (49:32)

• Quote faster, smarter, and more consistently with Paperless Parts
• Join us at MTForecast 2025
• Achieve the 7 Habits of Successful Workholding with SMW Autobook
• Requirements Review Press Release

• www.MakingChips.com
• On Facebook
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• On Twitter
• On YouTube

Every machine shop leader knows you can buy the best equipment, implement cutting-edge automation, and have bulletproof processes—but without the right team and culture, growth will stall. In this episode of MakingChips Machine Shop MBA, we talk with Matt Wardle, President of JD Machine, about how he transformed a small Utah shop into a 210-person powerhouse by prioritizing people and culture over everything else.

Matt's story shows what happens when leadership takes workforce development seriously. From his early days as a 10-person shop owner watching competitors poach his talent, to becoming a two-time Top Shops winner recognized for HR and culture, Matt has built a system for attracting, training, and retaining the kind of people who make growth possible.

We dive deep into JD Machine's unique approach to workforce development: Department of Labor-approved apprenticeship programs, high school counselor outreach, profit-sharing models, mentorship incentives, and cultural rituals like celebrating apprenticeship completions with a "Masters Jacket." The result? A company that not only keeps top talent but grows its own leaders from within.

If you've ever wondered how to build a resilient shop culture where employees feel invested, customers trust your team, and growth becomes sustainable, this conversation delivers the blueprint. Matt shows that "winning" in manufacturing isn't just about throughput or margins—it's about building people who build the business.

• (0:58) Introducing Matt Wardle of JD Machine: from 10 employees to a 210-person operation
• (4:30) Early lessons in retention and the shift from poaching talent to building a pipeline
• (7:44) Why you should register and see us at AMT's MTForecast
• (11:41) Community outreach: hosting school counselors, sponsoring robotics, and changing perceptions
• (17:10) Open houses, virtual field trips, and branding your shop to future employees
• (15:00) Mentorship structure, incentives for trainers, and celebrating completions with the "Masters Jacket"
• (19:20) Tracking the right metrics: turnover, reviews, skill increases, and retention as KPIs
• (22:58) Apprenticeship program design: 8,000 hours, Department of Labor approval, and clear pay raises
• (27:57) Grow your top and bottom line with CliftonLarsonAllen
• (28:32) How small shops can scale their workforce systems over time
• (30:18) Building your own curriculum: Tooling U, NTMA U, Titans of CNC, and customizing courses
• (31:50) Encouraging on-the-job learning during machine cycle times
• (34:10) Mentorship structure and incentives for experienced machinists training apprentices
• (36:05) Recruiting under-18 students through legislative partnerships and state risk management
• (37:52) How NTMA chapters create collaboration and make SkillsUSA more impactful
• (39:35) Balancing competitive pay with margins and long-term stability
• (43:58) Profit-sharing and open-book management to drive engagement and retention
• (44:44) Lessons learned from losing good employees and being proactive about retention
• (49:55) Matt's closing thoughts: people who align with your core values become your greatest asset
• (51:40) The countdown is on: See us at Top Shops 2025 in Charlotte, NC

• JD Machine
• Connect with Matt on LinkedIn
• Why you should check out AMT's MTForecast
• Matt's episode on Machine Shop Mastery (all about culture)
• Grow your top and bottom line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA)
• The countdown is on: See us at Top Shops 2025 in Charlotte, NC (code MAK20 for 20% off)

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