When your back is against the wall, you don't get a playbook. You get a choice.

From credit card debt and loan sharks to customs audits and six-figure B2B deals, this episode breaks down what it really looks like to build a business when you have no experience, no safety net, and no margin for error.

Host Casey Voelker and co-host Matthew Nix sit down with Nick Scrivens of Forged Fabrics to unpack how storytelling, quality, and grit turned a struggling apparel startup into a premium B2B brand serving household-name manufacturers.

This isn't just a conversation about shirts. It's about building something that lasts when quitting isn't an option.

• Why betting on yourself often looks irresponsible before it looks smart

• How storytelling creates real brand value in manufacturing

• What happens when you ignore process, numbers, and financial reality

• Why cutting corners kills premium brands

• How Forged Fabrics pivoted from DTC to B2B when everything was on the line

• Why quality and experience matter more than logos and cheap merch

• What manufacturers can learn from building outside their comfort zone

00;01;23;11 – Why an apparel company belongs on a manufacturing podcast 00;06;43;29 – The idea that sparked the business and early failures 00;10;35;20 – Buying out a partner, stacking debt, and risking it all 00;12;48;24 – Discovering B2B demand and the birth of Forged Fabrics 00;20;06;19 – U.S. Customs audits, sanctions, and nearly losing everything 00;26;24;07 – Why logos are outdated and storytelling builds real brand value

Forged Fabrics: https://forgedfabrics.com

Lights Out Podcast by Making Chips: https://makingchips.com/show/lights-out/ Buy the Numbers Podcast by Making Chips: https://makingchips.com/show/buy-the-numbers/

Follow Forged Fabrics on LinkedIn and Instagram to see how storytelling shows up in real manufacturing brands.

You don't end up on the Magnolia Network by accident. You earn it through craftsmanship, discipline, and work that speaks for itself.

In this episode of Making Sparks, host's Matthew Nix and Casey Voelker sits down with Rodney Ross and Jared "Cappie" Capp, the builders, craftsmen, and storytellers behind work that blends tradition with modern visibility. From hands-on trade skills to national recognition, this conversation digs into what it really takes to build credibility that lasts.

Rodney and Cappie share their perspective on craftsmanship, leadership, and why authenticity still matters more than shortcuts or hype, especially in a world driven by social media and fast growth.

It's not just about making things. It's about making something that endures.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why traditional craftsmanship still matters in a modern, tech-driven world

• How discipline and consistency build real credibility over time

• What most people misunderstand about success in the trades

• How to use storytelling and visibility without losing authenticity

• Why leadership is built through standards, not titles

• What it takes to create work people trust and respect

Key timestamps:

• 02:10 – Meeting Rodney Ross and Jared "Cappie" Capp

• 06:45 – Craftsmanship, discipline, and earning credibility

• 11:30 – Tradition vs trends in modern trade work

• 18:20 – Building visibility without cheapening the craft

• 24:50 – Leadership lessons learned through experience

• 32:10 – Legacy, reputation, and work that lasts

Resources:

Follow Rodney and Cappie on Linkedin:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jared-capp-2a2675113/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodney-ross-jr-a89410106/

Lights Out Podcast by Making Chips: https://makingchips.com/show/lights-out/ Buy the

Numbers Podcast by Making Chips: https://makingchips.com/show/buy-the-numbers/

Most fab shops say they can't find good welders. Nate Bowman says that's not the real problem.

From outdated training models to unclear career pathways to leaders expecting loyalty without direction, this episode breaks down why shops struggle to hire and retain talent and what to do instead.

Live from FABTECH 2025, host Casey Voelker sits down with Nate Bowman, aka The Weld Scientist, to unpack the real science behind training welders, building sustainable career paths, and adopting technology without falling for hype. This conversation connects people, process, and innovation in a way every shop owner and leader needs to hear.

It's not just about welding technique. It's about creating an industry people actually want to stay in.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why most shops don't have a hiring problem, they have a pathway problem

• How helping new welders win early changes long-term retention

• What outdated welding education gets wrong and how shops can fix it

• Why showing up in person still matters when hiring

• How to structure clear pay and growth paths from day one

• Which welding technologies are worth the investment and which are overhyped

• Why training and culture matter more than any new piece of equipment

Timestamps:

01:05 – Meet Nate Bowman and the mission behind Weld Science 04:55 – Why early wins matter when training new welders 08:45 – The culture problem in welding education 12:10 – Teaching real-world skills vs outdated processes 15:50 – Why "apply online" isn't enough anymore 17:15 – Building clear pay and career pathways in your shop 25:20 – Cobots, laser welding, and separating hype from reality

Resources:

Follow Nate Bowman (The Weld Scientist) on Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube: https://www.linkedin.com/in/weldscientist/ Lights Out Podcast by Making Chips: https://makingchips.com/show/lights-out/ Buy the Numbers Podcast by Making Chips: https://makingchips.com/show/buy-the-numbers/

Most fab shops talk about culture. Marc and Mike Goodhart had to rebuild theirs.

From stepping into a fifth-generation family business… to confronting the hard truth that you can't "muscle" your way into leadership… to reshaping a 90-year-old company around accountability, clarity, and people—the Goodhart brothers' story is a blueprint for every shop trying to build something that lasts.

In this episode, Marc and Mike open up about the real work behind succession, culture, profit-sharing, next-gen recruiting, and running a family business with honesty and humility. Their insights are raw, practical, and grounded in decades of lessons learned the hard way.

It's not just about fabrication. It's about building a shop people are proud to be part of.

• Why leadership in a family business must be earned, not inherited

• How to rebuild culture by simplifying values and setting expectations

• The surprising reason employees want family succession

• How Goodhart Sons partners with schools to attract the next generation

• Why dignity matters—even when letting someone go

• How profit-sharing creates ownership and stability for shop-floor workers

• What it takes to sustain a 90-year legacy in a modern industry

03:30 – The Goodhart Legacy: How a 90-year-old fab shop survives into Gen4 and Gen5. 05:50 – Earning Your Place: Why ownership in a family business must be earned, not inherited. 11:47 – Next-Gen Recruiting: How Goodhart Sons partners with schools to attract young talent. 20:23 – Firing With Dignity: The philosophy behind treating people well—even on the way out. 26:08 – Profit Sharing Explained: How their compensation model protects jobs and builds loyalty. 29:12 – Culture Simplified: Turning 12 legacy objectives into a modern, memorable culture system.

Join our Facebook Group for conversations that will help grow your business: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Dspnz4Qt5/ Connect with Goodhart Sons on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/goodhart-sons-inc/ Goodhart Sons Website: https://www.goodhartsons.com/ Lights Out Podcast: https://makingchips.com/show/lights-out/ Buy the Numbers Podcast: https://makingchips.com/show/buy-the-numbers/

Most welding instructors teach technique. Santiago Rivera teaches transformation.

From learning to weld left-handed for a car… to surviving addiction… to rebuilding a welding program that changed hundreds of students' lives—Santiago's story is one of grit, redemption, and unwavering purpose.

In this episode, Santiago opens up about the journey that shaped him, the students who motivate him, and the leadership philosophy that's helping revive the trades for the next generation.

It's not just about welding. It's about building people.

• How a simple deal with his mom launched his entire welding career

• The leadership mindset Santiago uses to build trust and structure in his classroom

• Why honesty and consistency matter more than talent

• How he grew a welding program from 42 to 123 students

• The role of mentors, tough love, and accountability in shaping young welders

• What today's trade students are really struggling with—and how to reach them

• How personal purpose fuels professional impact

3:00 – The origin story: learning to weld left-handed for a car 9:00 – "I was a functioning crack addict": Santiago's personal turning point 14:00 – Growing the program: from 42 students to 123 and securing a $700K grant 20:30 – "I want to teach you how to do life": structure, character, and honesty 22:45 – His mother's legacy: running 105 welders in the 1970s 31:30 – Kayak Fishing with Christ: the 6,000-member ministry changing lives

Join our Facebook Group for conversations that will help grow your business: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Dspnz4Qt5/ Connect with Santiago on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/santiago-rivera-5584b230/ Learn more about Northern Virginia Community College's Welding Program: https://www.nvcc.edu/academics/programs/welding.html

Lights Out Podcast: https://makingchips.com/show/lights-out/ Buy the Numbers Podcast: https://makingchips.com/show/buy-the-numbers/

Most leaders in manufacturing are focused on performance, process, and technical competence. But when a team is underperforming, the root cause often has nothing to do with skills or processes like Lean—it's about character.

In this essential episode, the hosts sit down with Mac and Ria, founders of Blue Collar Leadership, live from the Fabtech show floor. Drawing from 20 years on the factory floor and extensive work in the Lean methodology, Mac shares why the most critical investment a company can make is in the personal growth and character development of its frontline employees.

They challenge the notion of "management" and introduce a unique, low-cost method for inspiring and identifying true leaders throughout your organization.

This conversation offers a powerful shift in perspective: leadership is influence, and by helping people become better spouses, parents, and community members, you organically create better employees.

In this episode, you'll learn: - Why most manufacturing leadership training focuses on management, not influence. - The personal cost of a career where leaders invested "zero dollars and zero minutes" in character development. - The simple, non-judgemental "book study" method that leads to personal transformation. - Why vulnerability and personal stories—especially when you got it wrong—are essential for connecting with blue-collar teams. - How to let potential leaders self-identify based on their hunger for growth, regardless of their title. - Why the culture you build must be about the people first, not just the ROI or the company.

Timestamps: 0:26 – The philosophy of "going slow to go fast" in business. 3:15 – The lack of leadership development in manufacturing: "4 or 5 hands" out of 130 attendees. 3:46 – Mac's 20-year journey from CNC operator to Lean Manager. 4:33 – Why the "Blue Collar Leadership" brand is a badge of honor, not a label. 5:40 – Discovering the Seven Habits and finding the missing piece of Lean. 9:01 – Ria's story: leading as a Director of Compliance with influence, not authority. 10:57 – The biggest difference between Blue Collar Leadership and corporate training: the stories. 11:31 – The difference between universal principles and applicable practices. 14:00 – Why blue-collar workers are on alert for inauthentic leaders. 20:42 – The importance of leaders investing in their own development first. 32:41 – Learning the difference between learning about leadership and learning leadership. 33:16 – A free resource: the Book Study Training method. 36:21 – How to use humility and a micro-story to drive personal transformation. 43:36 – Mac's personal transformation after years of teaching others. 51:10 – Blue Collar Leadership's unique business strategy: we don't chase clients. 52:03 – How focusing on character rebuilt Mac's relationship with his estranged son. 57:02 – The results: great leadership will happen in your company if you make it about the people.

Resources: Join our Facebook Group for conversations that will help grow your business: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Dspnz4Qt5/ Blue Collar Leadership: https://bluecollarleadership.com/ Free Book Study Training: bluecollarleadership.com/bookstudytraining Free Course - The Five Types of Leaders: https://www.google.com/search?q=TheFiveTypesOfLeaders.com Lights Out Podcast: https://makingchips.com/show/lights-out/ Buy the Numbers Podcast: https://makingchips.com/show/buy-the-numbers/

Most people see Fabtech as just a trade show.

But for those in the fabrication world, it's where the entire industry comes together — to connect, learn, and see what's next.

In this episode, Casey Voelker sits down with Rick Snyder of Multipress and Matt Crosby of Pacific Press live from the Fabtech show floor. Together, they talk about what it's really like exhibiting, the value of showing up in person, and why networking matters now more than ever.

It's not just about machines and demos — it's about people, partnerships, and perspective.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• What makes Fabtech more than "just another trade show"
• How networking creates opportunities long after the show ends
• Why showing up in person still matters in a digital world
• The biggest lessons from exhibiting at Fabtech
• How collaboration between competitors drives the industry forward
• What small and mid-size shops can gain from attending next year

Timestamps: 1:17 – What makes Fabtech special for fabricators 3:54 – The value of collaboration over competition 6:12 – How trade shows help companies grow visibility and trust 8:40 – Why you can't replace in-person networking with online content 12:03 – Exhibiting lessons from Multipress and Pacific Press 15:28 – Favorite booths and standout innovations at Fabtech 18:45 – How the industry's community keeps getting stronger 21:10 – Final takeaways: why every shop should make Fabtech a priority

Resources: Join our Facebook Group for conversations that will help grow your business: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Dspnz4Qt5/

Multipress: https://multipress.com/

Pacific Press: https://pacific-press.com/

Lights Out Podcast: https://makingchips.com/show/lights-out/

Buy the Numbers Podcast: https://makingchips.com/show/buy-the-numbers/

Most people think automation replaces welders. Graham Williams thinks it saves them.

In this episode, recorded live at FABTECH, we sit down with Graham Williams of Vectis Automation to talk about how cobots are changing the game for small and mid-size shops — not by cutting people out, but by helping them do more, learn faster, and stay longer in the trade.

From breaking the stigma around automation to using AI for smarter workflows, Graham shares how the best shops are blending tech and talent to create the next generation of fabricators.

It's not about robots replacing humans. It's about giving humans better tools.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How cobots help small and mid-size shops compete with less overhead

• The biggest misconceptions shop leaders have about automation

• How to get buy-in from your welders before bringing in robots

• Why AI should simplify your work — not overcomplicate it

• How automation can extend careers and attract new tradespeople

• What "crawl, walk, run" really looks like when adopting new tech

1:12 – Matthew introduces Graham and the story behind Vectis Automation 3:40 – How cobots are helping small shops do more with the same crew 6:15 – Breaking the biggest myths about automation in fabrication 8:54 – Why automation isn't just for high-volume production 12:07 – How AI fits into the future of welding and manufacturing 14:48 – Getting buy-in from seasoned welders on new tech 18:22 – How cobots can extend careers and attract young talent 22:50 – What the "crawl, walk, run" approach to automation looks like

Resources: Join our Facebook Group for conversations that will help grow your business: 👉 https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Dspnz4Qt5/

Connect with Graham on LinkedIn: 🔗 linkedin.com/in/graham-williams-532174b8

Learn more about Vectis Automation: 🌐 https://vectisautomation.com

Lights Out Podcast: 🎧 https://makingchips.com/show/lights-out/

Buy the Numbers Podcast: 🎧 https://makingchips.com/show/buy-the-numbers/

Most shop owners talk about culture. Few actually put it into practice.

In Part 2 of our conversation, Jesse Kleiman shares how he's building JR Metal Works on values that stick — from making hard work "cool again" to leading with "simple scales, fancy fails."

This isn't theory. It's how a fast-growing fab shop operationalizes culture, keeps people bought in, and builds a team that can scale.

It's not just about welding or leadership. It's about what happens when you decide values aren't posters on the wall — they're how you run the business every day.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why "making hard work cool again" matters for shop culture

• How to elevate tradespeople and keep talent engaged

• Why "simple scales, fancy fails" is a rule every shop should live by

• How Jesse teaches leadership through Extreme Ownership and The Four Agreements

• Practical ways to embed values so they survive growth pains

Resources: Join our Facebook Group for conversations that will help grow your business: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Dspnz4Qt5/ Connect with Jesse on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jesse-kleiman-685675113 JR Metal Works: https://jr-metalworks.com/ Lights Out Podcast: https://makingchips.com/show/lights-out/ Buy the Numbers Podcast: https://makingchips.com/show/buy-the-numbers/

Most fab shops dream of growth. Few are ready when it comes.

Jesse Kleiman didn't just grow JR Metal Works — he scaled it from a garage startup to a 70-person team taking on enterprise-level contracts.

In this episode, Jesse opens up about the reality of rapid growth: the cash flow crunches, the leadership pivots, and the culture shifts that come with scaling faster than you planned.

It's not just about welding or expansion. It's about what happens when your business outgrows you—and how to stay intentional through it all.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How to know when it's the right time to expand

• Why rapid growth can be as dangerous as stagnation

• The cash flow traps every fast-growing shop needs to watch for

• How to build a culture that survives growth pains

• When (and why) to invest in a support team

• The leadership mindset that turns growth into longevity

Timestamps: 2:16 – Jesse's story: starting JR Metal Works in 2016 and growing to 70 people 11:28 – Taking on gas pipe welding with zero experience (and figuring it out) 16:09 – The cash flow challenges of rapid growth 17:24 – Sales lessons at the enterprise level 30:07 – Why firing the wrong customer is sometimes the best decision 32:26 – The contract that doubled the business overnight 38:44 – Why leadership takes just "10 seconds of courage" 40:28 – Vendor relationships and surviving slow customer payments 43:50 – Jesse's advice: always be

Resources:

Join our Facebook Group for conversations that will help grow your business: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Dspnz4Qt5/

Connect with Jesse on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jesse-kleiman-685675113

JR Metal Works: https://jr-metalworks.com/

Lights Out Podcast: https://makingchips.com/show/lights-out/

Buy the Numbers Podcast: https://makingchips.com/show/buy-the-...