In this special episode of MakingChips, we broadcast from the EBITDA Growth Systems Double Your Value Planning Event—a gathering designed to pull shop owners out of the day-to-day grind and force intentional thinking about long-term growth. This year's event was hosted at the Sandvik Coromant facility in Mebane, North Carolina, creating a perfect backdrop for conversations about planning, strategy, and culture.

Paul is joined by three key voices who bring decades of hard-earned manufacturing wisdom: Jim Carr, a founding voice of MakingChips; Zach Overton, who is deep in the trenches of leading a multi-generation shop through transition and growth; and David Capkovitz, co-founder of EBITDA Growth Systems, whose strategic coaching framework is the backbone of this entire event. They pull back the curtain on why the event exists, how planning actually becomes actionable, and how shops can double their value in three years.

Together, they dive into the realities every manufacturer faces—financial blind spots, operational challenges, cultural shifts, succession dilemmas, and the emotional weight of leadership. David's perspective as a coach blends seamlessly with Jim and Zach's lived experiences, creating a conversation that's equal parts strategic and deeply human.

This episode highlights why stepping away from the shop floor is often the missing link for achieving the next level of growth. Whether you're planning for 2026, building resilience for a generational handoff, or simply trying to stop fighting fires, the insights shared here offer a clear direction forward. And yes—there's also a Cheerwine Old Fashioned or two.

If you're ready to plan your next chapter with more clarity and confidence, this episode gives you the mindset and the roadmap to get started.

• (0:00) Setting the scene: EGS happy hour, heaters, and Cheerwine Old Fashioneds
• (1:11) Paul and Jim revisit the origins of MakingChips and Jim's full-circle moment
• (2:35) What the Double Your Value Planning Event is & how it's grown under EGS
• (3:32) Introducing Zach Overton and his connections with Paul & Jim
• (4:36) Jim's memories and insights from advanced machining processes
• (6:38) Grow your top and bottom line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA)
• (7:14) David explains why EGS created the event and its planning philosophy
• (10:23) The power of peer-to-peer conversations among manufacturers
• (11:54) Identifying obstacles to growth and building criticality assessments
• (13:15) Zach shares his takeaways from stepping out of day-to-day firefighting
• (15:26) Jim describes how EGS supports Carr Machine as a Fractional CFO
• (18:08) Lighter moments: drink taste-testing and event humor
• (19:53) Invest in your business by investing in ProShop ERP
• (21:27) Zach explains how David coaches Overton Industries operationally
• (24:15) How manufacturers can start planning intentionally for 2026
• (28:08) Why shop owners need guidance, accountability, and encouragement
• (30:11) Culture as the foundation of growth: reflections on Mike Hirsh's talk
• (32:13) Jim's transformation story: shifting from a lifestyle business to scalable growth
• (36:21) Why you need to check out the SMW Autoblok catalog
• (37:31) Did older generations only want lifestyle businesses?
• (39:00) Zach on pushing back in automotive to protect margins
• (40:38) Navigating multi-owner family decisions and succession complexity
• (42:12) David reflects on the personal relationships EGS builds with clients

• Connect with EBITA Growth Systems
• Connect with Jim Carr on LinkedIn
• Connect with David Capkovitz on LinkedIn
• Connect with Zach Overton on LinkedIn
• Connect with Mike Hirsh on LinkedIn
• Peter Doyle on Machine Shop MBA and Machine Shop Mastery
• MC070: Leadership, Action, and a British Accent – with Sean Holt
• Invest in your business by investing in ProShop ERP
• Why you need to check out the SMW Autoblok catalog

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

In this episode of MakingChips, we sit down with Charlie Hushek, President of Phoenix Heat Treating, whose family has been in the heat-Treating world for over a century. Charlie is a fifth-generation heat Treatinger—but his leadership story is anything but inherited. When he stepped into the business in 2020, he wasn't handed stability. He was handed a crisis.

Within a matter of months, Phoenix Heat Treating lost its NADCAP certification—twice—suffered major operational setbacks, faced COVID turmoil, and endured the tragic loss of their general manager. For a company where more than 70% of revenue is tied to regulated aerospace work, this wasn't a stumble. It was a free fall. And it forced Charlie into leadership far earlier—and far harder—than he expected.

But instead of shrinking from the challenge, Charlie transformed it into a total rebuild. He redesigned their QMS from the ground up, implemented true systems thinking, rewrote cultural standards, and introduced transparent, performance-driven practices that aligned every employee around shared values. The result? A thriving business, a revitalized culture, and a blueprint for how to rebuild a manufacturing company under extreme pressure.

In this raw and energizing conversation, Charlie shares how Phoenix Heat Treatinging went from chaos to clarity, how culture becomes a competitive advantage, and what it takes to lead a team through uncertainty, fear, and burnout—and come out stronger on the other side. If you're leading a shop through change, growth, or crisis, this episode is a masterclass.

• (1:29) Charlie's fifth-generation family history and the Phoenix Heat Treating story
• (2:19) The beginnings of Wesley Steel Treating and early industrial growth
• (3:43) Check out SMW Autoblok's massive catalog of products
• (5:15) Heat Treating as a long-standing, often overlooked "shadow industry"
• (5:45) Phoenix Heat Treating's early years, the move to Arizona, and generational transitions
• (7:34) Charlie's introduction to the business, working second shift, and learning operations
• (8:53) Phoenix Heat Treating's modern operations: five shifts, fast turn times, and business units
• (10:40) The importance of NADCAP certification and the challenges that come with losing it
• (12:45) Climbing out of crisis, stabilizing the business, and confronting hard truths
• (18:55) Internal emotions, team reactions, turnover, and the "burn the boats" mentality
• (22:06) Rebuilding from 50 employees to 80 through culture, transparency, and momentum
• (23:30) How primes issued waivers and partnered with Phoenix during the crisis
• (25:17) Working with customers to maintain flow on critical aerospace and defense parts
• (27:42) What's Your Method? 30-taper machines
• (34:43) The honesty and transparency you'll experience working with Phoenix Heat Treating
• (35:55) Building culture from the ground up and defining core values
• (39:01) Using employee surveys to define core values: teamwork, positivity, detail, work ethic
• (41:38) Embedding culture in hiring, onboarding, and daily expectations
• (45:30) Profit sharing, pay transparency, and rewarding performance
• (49:20) Applying the playbook to the newly purchased machine shop
• (52:53) Incentivizing change and gaining buy-in through aligned rewards
• (54:45) The importance of defining winning, alignment, and standards
• (58:23) Why we created Hire MFG Leaders (and why you should use it)
• (58:50) Charlie's "playbook," open-book management, and The Great Game of Business

• The honesty and transparency you'll experience working with Phoenix Heat Treating
• Connect with Charlie Hushek on LinkedIn
• Where to check out SMW Autoblok's massive catalog of products
• Why we created Hire MFG Leaders (and why you should use it)
• The Great Game of Business

• www.MakingChips.com
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Top Shops 2025 brought together the most innovative, forward-thinking leaders in manufacturing—and this year's gathering at the NASCAR Hall of Fame felt like stepping directly into the winners' circle. Surrounded by the energy of hundreds of top-tier manufacturers, we sat down with the four shops recognized as the crème de la crème in their categories: Technology, Shopfloor Technology, Business Strategy, and Human Resources. Together, these honorees represent what's possible when ambition meets execution.

In this special episode of MakingChips, recorded live in Charlotte, we talk with each winner about the decisions, investments, philosophies, and people that drove their rise to the top. From multimachine pallet-tech automation and Swiss machining efficiency to bold equipment investments and workforce strategies that transform culture, each story reveals a different path to excellence. Yet all four shops share a mindset of curiosity, courage, and relentless improvement.

Throughout these conversations, we explore how technology becomes a competitive advantage, how small teams can deliver massive output, why unconventional business strategies can pay off, and how employee-first leadership becomes the backbone of success. Every guest brings candor, humor, and real-world wisdom—showing that you don't become a Top Shop by accident.

Whether you're just starting your Top Shops journey or are already benchmarking in the top percentile, you'll walk away from this episode energized, inspired, and equipped with ideas you can put into practice immediately. Because these shops aren't just winning awards—they're redefining what modern manufacturing looks like.

• (0:48) Opening from the NASCAR Hall of Fame at Top Shops 2025
• (1:28) What are the Top Shops award categories and how does the survey work?
• (2:19) Why investing in ProShop is an investment in your business
• (3:56) A conversation with Joey Jones on Aerotech Machining and their award
• (9:17) The details of Aerotech Machining's automation journey
• (12:47) Introducing Jayme Rahz of Midway Swiss Turn and their shop floor practices award
• (15:03) When robotics become accessible and feasible for Midway Swiss Turn
• (18:59) How do you train new employees with no Swiss experience?
• (19:50) Staying niche instead of chasing high-volume work
• (22:02) Grow your top and bottom-line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA)
• (22:40) Mike Bauer with Marathon Precision on winning the Business Strategy award
• (25:13) Why Mike buys machines before having the work (his spiderweb method)
• (30:27) Machine count, headcount, and shop expansion history
• (31:40) Consolidating two businesses and retraining all employees
• (32:40) Allison Giddens joins the conversation and introduces Win-Tech
• (34:44) Implementing a 4×10 schedule and early challenges
• (37:23) Using the Top Shops survey for benchmarking and improvement
• (40:17) Building culture and partnering with local trade schools
• (41:22) Challenges in technical education and the need for better instructors
• (45:53) Why you should listen to the Lights Out podcast

• Why investing in ProShop is an investment in your business
• Connect with Joey Jones with Aerotech Machining (Technology award)
• Introducing Jayme Rahz of Midway Swiss Turn and their shop floor practices award
• Grow your top and bottom-line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA)
• Michael Bauer with Marathon Precision on winning the Business Strategy award
• Allison Giddens joins the conversation and introduces Win-Tech
• Complete the 2026 Top Shops Survey and see us at Top Shops 2026!

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

When you walk into IMTS—the International Manufacturing Technology Show—it's easy to be awestruck by the machines, the energy, and the sheer scale. But few people realize just how much planning, logistics, and collaboration go into bringing that experience to life. In this episode of MakingChips, we sit down with Mark Kennedy, Senior Director of Exhibitions at AMT, to get a behind-the-scenes look at how the world's largest manufacturing trade show comes together.

This conversation dives deep into the IMTS Exhibitor Workshop, a two-day event that helps exhibitors prepare for success long before the show floor opens. Mark explains how exhibitors—from first-timers to seasoned veterans—can maximize ROI, streamline operations, and turn their IMTS booth into a "Super Bowl moment" for their brand.

From freight logistics and pavilion planning to marketing strategy and exhibitor education, Mark shares stories that reveal the incredible coordination required to transform McCormick Place into a million-square-foot hub of innovation. The hosts also share their own trade show experiences—from lessons learned the hard way to creative booth strategies like ProShop's "Ambassador Program."

Whether you're an exhibitor, attendee, or simply curious about the manufacturing event that defines the industry every two years, this episode offers a rare look at what it takes to make IMTS happen—and how to make it count.

• (1:00) Introducing guest Mark Kennedy and the importance of the IMTS Exhibitor Workshop
• (3:14) Grow your top and bottom-line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA)
• (6:32) How IMTS continues to evolve — from pavilions to product sectors
• (8:20) Why IMTS is the "Super Bowl" for manufacturers
• (9:01) What separates the best exhibitors (habits of highly effective show teams)
• (9:52) Creative booth ideas that drive engagement (ProShop Ambassadors, Toolpath's cornhole concept)
• (13:46) Lessons for first-time exhibitors and the importance of detailed planning
• (14:51) Panel discussions and hearing directly from attendees
• (16:46) Check out SMW Autoblok's workholding catalog
• (18:00) The new executive track — teaching leaders how to measure ROI
• (19:07) Alternatives for those who can't attend: Regional "Spring Training" sessions
• (20:38) Why McCormick Place and in-person networking still matter
• (21:53) Understanding the E-Kit and saving money through early planning
• (23:35) Collaboration among competitors and shared learning on the show floor
• (24:32) Maximizing IMTS Plus and digital marketing before the show
• (25:33) Introducing the IMTS Exhibitor Workbook — your "playbook for ROI"
• (26:35) The importance of preparation (you can't wing IMTS like a football game)
• (30:30) The continuous improvement mindset and what's coming next for IMTS 2026
• (31:29) Predicting the next big trend — AI as the "prom queen" of manufacturing
• (33:46) Why we created Hire MFG Leaders—and why you should use the service

• Register for the IMTS Exhibitor Workshop
• Grow your top and bottom-line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA)
• Check out SMW Autoblok's workholding catalog
• Why we created Hire MFG Leaders—and why you should use the service

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

We're coming to you once again from the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Summit in Washington, D.C.—the largest gathering of small business owners in U.S. history. This time, we're joined by two inspiring leaders from the Metalworking Nation who prove that the heart of American manufacturing beats strongest in small towns and family-run shops.

Our guests, Jenny Steffensmeier, owner of Steffensmeier Welding & Manufacturing in Pilot Grove, Iowa, and Paul Bothe, third-generation owner of a CNC job shop in Kenosha, Wisconsin, share how the Goldman Sachs 10KSB program transformed not only their businesses, but their lives. From resilience in the face of loss to the legacy of family ownership and the power of advocacy, their stories show what it means to make small big.

Together, we talk about how to lead through transition, the role of creativity in machining, and why the best shops are built by "high-quality people doing high-quality work." Whether you're a shop owner, an aspiring entrepreneur, or a believer in the power of community, this episode will remind you why manufacturing matters—and how small businesses create a big impact.

• (0:00) Recording live from the Goldman Sachs 10KSB Summit
• (2:45) Introducing guests Jenny Steffensmeier and Paul Bothe
• (5:50) Invest in your business by investing in ProShop ERP
• (7:23) How Jenny got involved with the Goldman Sachs 10KSB program
• (8:22) How Paul found his way from music to manufacturing
• (13:20) Jenny's story of taking over the business after her husband's passing
• (17:12) The power of community and connection in the 10KSB program
• (18:39) Leadership lessons from raising five kids and leading a team
• (20:24) Why you should consider Phoenix Heat Treating for Outside Processing
• (21:33) Favorite lessons from the 10,000 Small Businesses modules
• (25:00) Jenny's realization at 10KSB: "I'm not alone."
• (27:58) Why vulnerability builds better leaders
• (28:54) Family legacy: The German "Mittelstand" mindset and stewardship over ownership
• (30:42) How family values and long-term customer relationships build trust
• (32:21) Jenny on her children's involvement and carrying forward their father's legacy
• (35:22) Lessons in storytelling—Tailoring your message for customers, students, and policymakers
• (38:52) "High-quality people doing high-quality work"—what culture really means
• (40:54) Grow your top and bottom-line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA)
• (41:29) Thinking bigger: making small businesses big through policy and voice
• (40:30) Final reflections and memorable takeaways

• Invest in your business by investing in ProShop ERP
• Use Phoenix Heat Treating for Outside Processing
• Grow your top and bottom-line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA)
• Connect with Jenny on LinkedIn
• Connect with Paul on LinkedIn

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

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
• On Twitter
• 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
• On Instagram
• On Twitter
• 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

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