What’s the secret to scaling a manufacturing business? For Mike, it all started with a growing passion for manufacturing, a desire to learn, and the decision to implement ProShop ERP. In this episode of MakingChips, Paul and Mike share their origin stories and dive into the transformative power of systems, processes, and ProShop.

Mike’s journey began with a love for technology and shop floor data collection, but his path took a turn when he acquired Hill Manufacturing in 2018. From there, he leaned on ProShop to standardize operations, eliminate inefficiencies, and drive remarkable growth. Hill Manufacturing’s mission—delivering quality parts on time, every time—became achievable on a whole new level.

With ProShop in place, Hill saw savings of several hours per person daily, streamlined purchasing into a shared responsibility, and even reduced the management team’s size while repurposing staff into value-added roles.

When COVID hit and revenue plummeted, they doubled down on systems and processes, reinvesting in ProShop. By 2021, they rebounded with 25% more revenue and 30% fewer people—proof that the right ERP can make all the difference.

If you’ve ever wondered how to scale efficiently, make bold decisions, and embrace systems that align your team, this episode will inspire you to take action. Because if you’re not MakingChips, you’re not making money!

• [0:36] Leverage ProShop for your business
• [4:07] Paul shares his origin story
• [12:17] Mike shares his origin story
• [21:40] Meet us at The MFG Meeting! 
• [28:05] Hill’s ProShop Implementation
• [43:35] Challenges and wins
• [46:50] Paul’s bet with a customer 

• Achieve on-time delivery with ProShop ERP
• The MFG Meeting: Feb 19th-21st, 2025
• A College Course in Machine Shop Management with James Marzilli
• How Modern ERP Transforms Manufacturing with John Zmuda

• www.MakingChips.com
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Watching the wildfires spread in Los Angeles is both heartbreaking and sobering. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this unspeakable tragedy. 

We’re also reminded of the bravery and dedication of first responders—firefighters on the ground and pilots flying “super scoopers” to drop water where it’s needed most.

But behind every heroic effort is another layer of unsung heroes: machinists. Why? Because these life-saving missions rely on precision-made tools and equipment, much of which starts in machine shops like yours. 

From winches on fire trucks to the Jaws of Life, defibrillators, oxygen tanks, and components for SWAT and HAZMAT vehicles, machining plays a critical role in emergency response.

In this episode, we’ll dive into the ways machinists are manufacturing the parts that help keep first responders safe and effective. Hill produces winch parts used across industries, including those found on fire trucks. Motis Fire Rescue is innovating equipment to make firefighters’ jobs easier.

If you’re working in a shop supporting these industries, know that your craftsmanship truly saves lives. For that, we want to #ThankAMachinist.

• [0:34] ProShop’s new podcast: Manufacturing Transformed 
• [1:41] How the metalworking nation supports first responders
• [2:39] Manufacturing leadership spotlight
• [7:34] Highlighting super scooper aircraft 
• [11:45] Everything starts with machining 
• [12:44] How machining supports first responders
• [14:24] How to nail quoting with Paperless Parts 
• [15:40] Highlighting Motis Fire Rescue
• [17:13] How machining impacts every aspect of your life
• [23:05] The incredible durability of manufactured parts 
• [25:29] #ThankAMachinist and #ThankAFirstResponder
• [27:04] Check out the Lights Out podcast 

• Manufacturing leadership spotlight: Rhett Dawson
• Benchmade Knives
• Paul Terpstra with Motis Fire Rescue
• The Snagger Tool by Motis™ 
• Hill Manufacturing

• www.MakingChips.com
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After nearly a decade of shaping MakingChips—spending close to 25% of his life on this journey—Jason Zenger is saying goodbye to the podcast that transformed the manufacturing space. 

As one of the original trailblazers, Jason helped create a platform that built community, sparked essential conversations, and made manufacturing more approachable as a career. His vision and dedication inspired others to start their own podcasts, like Paul’s “Machine Shop Mastery.”

Jason’s legacy isn’t just MakingChips. It’s the relationships, the #MetalworkingNation community, and the countless leaders who’ve been equipped and inspired along the way. 

As Jason transitions to his next adventure—launching his podcast “Workmen of the Word” and writing his book, “Lead Like It’s Your Last Day”—he reflects on the power of community, education, and learning to prioritize what truly matters.

Join us as we celebrate Jason’s contributions, reflect on the journey, and look ahead to the next chapter for him and MakingChips.

• [0:21] Use Paperless Parts to solve bottleneck problems
• [1:46] Why is this Jason’s last episode of MakingChips?
• [8:10] How podcasting made education more accessible 
• [13:19] The challenges that come with running a family business
• [17:18] Achieve 95% on-time delivery with ProShop ERP
• [18:45] The far-reaching impact of MakingChips
• [23:44] Jason’s final takeaway from 10 years of MakingChips
• [28:32] How to stay connected with Jason
• [28:58] Learn more about Jason’s upcoming podcast and book
• [32:21] Why MakingChips is launching Hire MFG Leaders
• [36:09] Check out the MakingSparks podcast!

• Matthew Nix’s family business
• Jason’s website
• Paperless Parts
• ProShop ERP 
• MakingSparks

• www.MakingChips.com
• On Facebook
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What does it take to build a truly exceptional culture in your manufacturing business? In this episode of MakingChips, we sit down with Beau Groover, a seasoned coach with decades of experience in lean implementation, continuous improvement, and leadership. From his early days as an Inventory Control Manager to overseeing 21 plants as Director of Manufacturing, Beau’s career has been driven by one mission: helping people and organizations thrive.

Beau shares his journey from manufacturing operations to coaching, revealing how leaders can create clarity, foster collaboration, and transform their teams with positive energy. Whether you’re tackling lean implementation roadblocks or looking to engage your shop floor in meaningful problem-solving, Beau offers practical steps and insights that you can put into action today.

If you’re ready to lead with empathy, build a culture your team buys into, and measure success beyond the usual metrics, this episode is for you. After all, as Beau reminds us, “The person who loves walking will go much further than the person who loves the destination.”

Let’s build kick-ass cultures so we can keep MakingChips! 

• [0:27] Leverage Paperless Parts to boost your process
• [1:51] The methodology behind the move
• [5:02] Learn more about Beau Groover 
• [8:05] The difference between coaching and consulting 
• [10:50] Building a Kick-Ass Culture
• [12:38] How Bill Berrien leverages Paperless Parts
• [20:11] Involving your shop floor in problem-solving
• [24:39] Why do leaders hesitate to make changes? 
• [27:40] How to overcome roadblocks in lean implementation
• [30:06] How positive energy transforms cultures
• [31:55] Listen to the Manufacturing Transformed podcast
• [32:29] Lead with empathy—until you can’t
• [37:29] Important metrics for manufacturers to track 
• [41:48] How you can measure company morale
• [42:33] Why clarity is a pillar of coaching
• [47:30] Beau’s challenge to manufacturing leaders
• [53:22] Check out the MakingSparks podcast! 

• Leverage Paperless Parts to boost your process
• The Effective Syndicate
• Beau’s book, “Building a Kick-Ass Culture”
• Bill Berrien with Pindel Global Precision
• Listen to the Manufacturing Transformed podcast
• Check out the MakingSparks podcast

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

The world is divided when it comes to New Year’s resolutions. Some argue that if you’re committed to change, you should take action anytime—not just at the start of the year. 

But the new year is also a natural time for reflection, a chance to evaluate where you’ve been and map out where you’re going, in both business and life. In this episode of MakingChips, we’re diving into resolutions that drive real impact:

• Mike shares his goal to break down KPIs to align his entire team—from the receptionist to the CEO—around actionable goals that make a difference. 
• Matthew reflects on the transformative power of gratitude journaling and his annual calendar audits, which help him prioritize what matters most. 
• Jason dives into how to lead with intention through challenges and shares his vision for 2025. 
• And Paul wraps up the conversation with some exciting news you won’t want to miss.

Start 2025 inspired, equipped, and ready to make more chips—because if you’re not MakingChips, you’re not making money!

• [0:20] Use Paperless Parts for estimating and quoting 
• [2:37] Using metrics and KPIs as coaching opportunities
• [12:58] The importance of practicing gratitude
• [16:15] Use ProShop ERP to manage cutting tools
• [17:24] Matthew’s calendar audit practice
• [19:41] Lead Like It’s Your Last Day
• [26:05] Investing time in your best people 
• [30:16] Remember to give more than you get 
• [35:45] What can we focus on improving? 

• Use Paperless Parts for estimating and quoting 
• Use ProShop ERP to manage cutting tools
• Buy the Numbers Episode #2 with Mike Fritz
• The 7 Hoshin Kanri Processes

• www.MakingChips.com
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In this special episode of MakingChips, we reflect on our favorite moments of 2024—the ones that made us laugh, the ones that brought a tear to our eyes, and the ones that remind us why we’re so proud to be part of the manufacturing community.

We dive into the topics that matter most:

• How to transfer tribal knowledge to the next generation. 
• Why implementing AI isn’t just an option anymore—it’s a competitive edge for the future.
• How building a culture of care and support can transform your team and your business.
• The incredible ripple effect of manufacturing: creating stability for our country, our communities, and our families.
• The importance of managing vendor relationships for long-term success.
• What it means to lead with integrity, trust, and purpose in a fast-changing world.

You’ll also get an inside look at each show in the MakingChips family, hear some exciting announcements, and discover what’s next for MakingChips.

Let’s celebrate the wins, embrace the challenges, and look ahead to an even brighter future. Because—at the end of the day—if you’re not MakingChips, you’re not making money.

• [0:28] Check out Paperless Parts for your estimating and quoting needs
• [2:12] MakingChips is celebrating 10 years of podcasting!
• [4:42] Launching with a moment of laughter
• [9:48] A snapshot of Buy The Numbers
• [10:27] How can we automate tribal knowledge?
• [13:45] How Bill Berrian leverages Paperless Parts
• [21:16] The industry is investing in AI for manufacturing 
• [24:44] Learn more about Machine Shop Mastery 
• [26:02] Companies must pour into their employees
• [29:55] Achieve on-time delivery with ProShop ERP
• [32:22] If you want to change the world, start with your own heart 
• [35:11] Learn more about the Lights Out podcast
• [36:24] Business moves at the speed of trust
• [41:40] A sneak peak at an upcoming episode
• [44:38] How manufacturing creates stability
• [46:46] The importance of managing your vendor relationships 
• [53:50] Rolling out the red carpet for Hire MFG Leaders
• [55:26] What’s next for MakingChips?

• Check out Paperless Parts for your estimating and quoting needs
• Achieve on-time delivery with ProShop ERP
• Utilizing Marketing Strategies in Industrial and Manufacturing Businesses
• Bill Berrian with Pindel Global Precision
• Greg McHale with Datanomix on Buy The Numbers 
• Betting it All on a Dream with Ashley Hunsaker from HTS Coatings 
• Manufacturing Fuels Grit with Drew Crowe and Andy Mueller
• The MakingChips take on Managing vendor relationships 

• www.MakingChips.com
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Customer service in manufacturing is often seen as a pain point rather than a differentiator. We’ve all experienced the frustrations of dealing with companies like Comcast—impossible cancellations, endless transfers, and the feeling of being treated as just another number. 

Unfortunately, too many manufacturing shops still operate with a similar “you’ll get it when you get it” mentality, leaving customers in the dark about their orders. This old-school approach is no longer sustainable, and shops that fail to adapt are finding themselves left behind.

But what separates the shops that are thriving? It comes down to investing in processes, systems, and a culture centered around exceptional service. Setting a higher bar for communication and transparency can transform customer relationships. 

With tools like ProShop ERP, Mike and others have redefined what it means to serve their customers, delivering instant updates, proactive communication, and unmatched reliability. The future of manufacturing demands not just great parts but great service—and the shops embracing this shift are the ones leading the industry forward. 

If you’re not investing in customer service, there won’t be orders, and without orders you won’t be MakingChips, and you won’t be making money. BAM! 

• [0:30] Check out the Manufacturing Transformed podcast 
• [2:44] What's the Chip on Your Shoulder? 
• [8:46] What makes those who are doing it right different? 
• [11:05] Machine Shop Masterclass: QMS
• [19:37] How much transparency should shops provide? 
• [26:05] Download the CFO’s Guide to AI from NetSuite
• [27:11] The contrast between sales and service
• [35:46] Service drives product development
• [37:37] Why sales and service need to communicate
• [39:56] Real success stories from ProShop ERP 
• [44:44] How will you improve your service in 2025? 
• [47:06] Check out the At the Boring Bar podcast!

• Leverage ProShop ERP to create systems and processes
• Check out the Manufacturing Transformed podcast
• Download the CFO’s Guide to AI from NetSuite
• Nick’s LinkedIn post about customer service
• East Branch Engineering
• JJR Fabrication

• www.MakingChips.com
• On Facebook
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In part two of our conversation with Marlene Chism, we dive deeper into the intricacies of navigating workplace conflict and cultivating emotional resilience. Marlene shares actionable strategies for overcoming internal and external conflicts by aligning with your core values and taking personal responsibility for your reactions. 

She highlights the importance of emotional regulation, urging leaders to interpret feelings like anger and frustration as signals to pause and regain control rather than react impulsively. By taking ownership of our emotional responses and openly addressing missteps, we can build stronger, more transparent relationships.

Marlene also explores how clarity—whether in defining values, addressing workplace drama, or preparing for difficult conversations—is the key to effective leadership. She introduces her “Blueprint for Difficult Conversations,” emphasizing preparation, accountability, and clarity to guide meaningful dialogue. 

Through thought-provoking examples, including her visual framework of a boat, island, and shark, Marlene challenges leaders to refocus on outcomes rather than obstacles. This episode equips you with the tools to move from conflict to courage, fostering a culture of alignment, respect, and proactive problem-solving.

• [0:29] How to get 50% off MasterClass
• [3:08] Emotional regulation in the workplace
• [6:50] Navigating internal conflict 
• [10:52] Using core values to navigate conflict 
• [15:05] Cultivating self-awareness in the workplace 
• [16:10] Moving from conflict to courage 
• [19:09] Don’t allow “Power of Attorney”
• [20:07] Use Paperless Parts for quoting and estimating
• [24:18] See the possibility in your people
• [25:03] Learn more about Marlene’s coaching and training
• [28:56] Dialing down on the importance of clarity 
• [32:28] How to connect with Marlene
• [36:08] Book a discover call with ProShop ERP

• No-Drama Leadership: How Enlightened Leaders Transform Culture in the Workplace
• From Conflict To Courage with Marlene Chism
• Connect with Marlene on LinkedIn
• Marlene’s website 
• Get 50% off MasterClass
• Use Paperless Parts for quoting and estimating
• Book a discover call with ProShop ERP

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

How do you break free from dysfunctional workplace dynamics and create real transformation? Marlene Chism, a former factory worker turned HR consultant and coach, shares her journey from the shop floor to becoming an expert in conflict management.

After 21 years at Kraft Foods, Marlene realized she wanted more. When she started taking college classes, she discovered the Karpman Drama Triangle—a tool for understanding the roles of victim, persecutor, and rescuer—and it changed how she approached relationships and leadership.

In this episode, Marlene shares powerful insights and memorable stories, including a surprising lesson about boundaries and assumptions from a coworker. Whether you're leading a team or navigating workplace challenges, Marlene’s practical wisdom will inspire you to see conflict—and yourself—in a new way. Join us to learn how shifting your mindset can transform your relationships and workplace.

• [0:20] Check out the Manufacturing Transformed podcast!
• [1:28] Check out our other MakingChips podcasts!
• [3:56] The importance of self-awareness
• [8:43] From manufacturing to conflict consulting
• [16:24] We have to humanize our workforce
• [19:58] The Karpman Drama Triangle
• [21:12] Get the CFO’s Guide to AI and Machine Learning
• [27:50] Anything transformative is about self-development
• [32:54] Marlene’s most memorable story from the shop floor
• [38:28] Listen and subscribe to “Buy the Numbers” 

• The Manufacturing Transformed podcast!
• Get the CFO’s Guide to AI and Machine Learning
• The Team Success Podcast
• No-Drama Leadership: How Enlightened Leaders Transform Culture in the Workplace
• From Conflict To Courage with Marlene Chism
• Connect with Marlene on LinkedIn
• Marlene’s coaching website 
• Karpman Drama Triangle
• Mike Ruge
• MakingSparks
• Buy the Numbers
• Lights Out
• Machine Shop Mastery

• www.MakingChips.com
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Today, we’re shining a spotlight on some of the hardest-working and most impactful people in the world: machinists. 

These skilled professionals are behind nearly everything we touch, from the medical devices that save lives to the cutting-edge aerospace components that explore the final frontier. 

Machinists are the unsung heroes who take ideas from concept to reality, crafting the parts that power industries, enhance daily life, and drive innovation. Without them, the technology, tools, and conveniences we rely on wouldn’t exist. 

This episode is dedicated to saying a big thank you to machinists everywhere. Join the conversation online with #ThankAMachinist to celebrate their incredible contributions.

Without them, we wouldn’t be MakingChips and we wouldn’t be making money.

— Paul Van Metre

• [2:16] Gift Masterclass for the Holidays!
• [5:15] How can we make manufacturing mainstream?
• [8:23] Manufacturing News: Military Contractors
• [10:41] The guys play a game: Connecting manufacturing with hobbies
• [16:25] Let’s use the hashtag: #ThankAMachinist
• [18:20] Check out Paperless Parts for estimating and quoting!
• [19:11] Paul’s #ThankAMachinist shoutouts
• [22:13] Jason’s #ThankAMachinist shoutouts
• [25:14] Mike’s #ThankAMachinist shoutouts
• [29:24] Nothing in the modern world exists without machinists
• [32:41] Manage your cutting tools with ProShop 

• Check out Paperless Parts for estimating and quoting!
• Get 50% off your Masterclass subscription
• Book a discovery call with ProShop ERP
• Military Contractors Are in Nearly Every Small Town in the United States
• Matthew Lindsay on LinkedIn
• Josh Hacko with NH Micro on LinkedIn
• Greg McArthur with NTL Industries 
• Jacob Sanchez
• Nate A
• Nush Ahmed
• Tony Gunn
• Thomas Nathan
• Chris Luecke
• John Guimond
• Josh McKain
• Jean Davis
• Thomas Smith
• Const Ivanov
• Gary Keel with Trillium Machine
• Nick and Tanner Preece of Preece Machining and Assembly
• James and Sean Cerven with Cerven Solutions 
• Nathan Bourgeois of Ouroboros Space and Defense
• Naked Prosthetics

• www.MakingChips.com
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