BWXT Mount Vernon produces components for naval nuclear reactors, used in submarines and aircraft carriers. Their sprawling facility is home to CNC machine tools and sophisticated welding and heat-treating equipment. In this episode of MakingSparks, General Manager Nate Foote shares more about their commitment to processes, their recruiting practices, and why the work they do is incredibly important. 

– Casey

• [1:09] Learn more about AMT
• [2:38] Introducing special guest Nate Foote
• [7:57] Casey’s dad joke
• [9:31] BWXT’s team-building process
• [13:54] Their program with a local high school 
• [15:39] Spark of Knowledge: Strategic Planning 
• [17:28] The recruiting strategies they leverage 
• [26:38] Get Oracle’s KPI Checklist 
• [29:42] BWXT’s involvement in niche markets
• [31:18] Their commitment to processes
• [35:38] What’s keeping Nate up at night
• [36:35] What Nate’s most excited about

• Learn more about AMT
• Get Oracle’s KPI Checklist
• Connect with Nate on LinkedIn
• BWXT Mount Vernon

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

What are the pros and cons of plasma cutters vs. water jets vs. lasers? How does cutting with nitrogen differ from cutting with oxygen? How is technology driving innovation in fabrication? R.J. Reed and Brendon DiVincenzo join us in this episode of MakingSparks to cover all things lasers and fabrication. Because if you’re not MakingSparks with the right tool, you’re not making money. BAM!

– Nick

• [0:19] FREE IMTS 2024 Exhibitor Workshop
• [2:17] Nick’s dad joke
• [2:43] Learn more about R.J. Reed and Brendon DiVincenzo
• [9:45] The definition of precision
• [12:16] The history of lasers in machining
• [19:28] Netsuite by Oracle’s Ultimate KPI Checklist
• [21:29] Plasma versus water jet versus laser cutting
• [25:55] Cutting with nitrogen versus oxygen
• [31:05] How technology is driving innovation
• [38:48] Are people still G-code programming?

• FREE IMTS 2024 Exhibitor Workshop
• When the Machine Stopped
• Connect with Brendon DiVincenzo
• Connect with R.J. Reed
• Netsuite by Oracle’s Ultimate KPI Checklist
• “The Goal” by Eliyahu M Goldratt
• FABTECH 2024: October 15-17, 2024

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

Every family business that’s growing and expanding runs into some challenges. From navigating tough conversations with family to determining a centralized versus decentralized model, there are numerous things to consider. Joe Patterson’s family business overcame the challenges that came their way and expanded globally. 

However, they had lofty goals for the business and ultimately needed more capital to realize those goals. Joe shares how they expanded their family business and why they sold the majority of their shares to private equity in this episode of MakingSparks. Listen to learn how you can help your family business make sparks, grow, and make money.

• [1:20] Palo Alto Networks Zero Trust OT Security
• [5:03] Matthew’s dad joke
• [6:20] Learn more about Joe Patterson
• [10:50] Why Joe initially left the family business 
• [13:30] Sparks of Knowledge: Host “tryouts”
• [14:33] How to have the conversation with family 
• [17:05] How Flanders scaled the family business
• [20:51] Netsuite by Oracle KPI Checklist
• [22:23] The difference between offering services and products
• [24:40] A centralized versus decentralized model
• [31:35] Why the family decided to sell the business
• [40:08] How to join the AMT Community 
• [41:00] How to scale your family business 

• Palo Alto Zero Trust OT Security
• Netsuite by Oracle KPI Checklist
• Join the AMT Community by reaching out to [email protected] or going to AMT Online
• Connect with Joe Patterson on LinkedIn
• Flanders

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

Communication with your family? How do you foster open communication in difficult conversations? 

Running a family business is full of unique challenges—and successes—that many other businesses don’t have to think about. But navigating those challenges doesn’t have to be difficult. Tad Dickel returns in this episode of MakingSparks to cover it all. 

– Matthew Nix

If you missed part 1, go back and listen HERE.

• [0:56] Palo Alto Zero Trust OT Security
• [4:38] Casey’s dad joke
• [5:30] Common challenges family businesses face
• [7:28] Spark of Knowledge: Social media
• [8:40] How to have hard conversations 
• [10:07] Tad’s thoughts on family governance
• [16:50] The purpose of the family council
• [19:49] Palo Alto Zero Trust OT Security
• [21:24] Open communication is the goal
• [26:08] When a small business should start
• [31:10] Think about the future now
• [32:30] Thomasnet programs

• Connect with Tad Dickel on LinkedIn
• T.A. Dickel Group
• Tad’s podcast
• Palo Alto Zero Trust OT Security
• The Family Business Consulting Group
• The Legacy Journey by Dave Ramsay
• Thomasnet Programs

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

Nix Companies is a fifth-generation family business in an industry that's predominantly privately held and family-owned. Family-owned businesses are the fabric of our economy. Today’s guest on MakingSparks, Tad Dickel, is a Leadership & Strategy Consultant with a special interest in family-owned businesses. He helps them with everything from governance to succession planning. 

Tad shares why having difficult conversations with family early can make a profound impact on the long-term generational success of the business. He also covers how to have those conversations. Don’t miss this one! 

– Matthew Nix

• [0:38] Netsuite by Oracle
• [2:42] How Tad Dickel helps family-owned businesses
• [5:39] Why work with a Leadership & Strategy Consultant 
• [9:16] Challenges that family businesses face
• [12:42] Spark of Knowledge: The Ideal Team Player
• [13:57] Casey’s dad joke
• [14:25] Tad’s hope for this episode
• [17:43] Palo Alto Zero Trust OT Security
• [21:33] Using a Venn diagram to think through family dynamics

• Connect with Tad Dickel on LinkedIn
• T.A. Dickel Group
• Netsuite by Oracle: CFO's Ultimate KPI Checklist
• The Ideal Team Player by Patrick M. Lencioni
• Palo Alto Zero Trust OT Security

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

What is FabTech? Why should anyone in welding, fabrication, metal forming, or finishing attend FabTech? They not only hold seminars and have booths and exhibitors to visit. You won’t only learn about trends in technology and meet with potential suppliers.

Most importantly, you’ll be able to network. In this episode of MakingSparks recorded live at FabTech 2023, we interview a couple of people we met at FabTech whose careers were positively impacted because they showed up. Don’t miss it.

– Matthew Nix

• [1:16] Why you should go to FabTech
• [2:35] Netsuite by Oracle
• [4:06] Networking opportunities at FabTech
• [6:13] Casey’s dad joke 
• [7:04] FabTech will help rejuvenate you 
• [11:38] What stood out at FabTech 2023
• [13:38] Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security
• [16:27] Spark of Knowledge: Use a CRM 
• [17:49] Stephanie Hoffman with the AWS
• [22:39] Learn more about Weld.com
• [27:32] Check out Thomas™ services

• FabTech
• Netsuite by Oracle
• Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security
• Stepanie Hoffman on LinkedIn and Instagram
• Chris Ewing on LinkedIn
• Metal Shop Masters
• Weld.com
• Weld.com on YouTube
• Check out Thomas™ services

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

Recruiting in manufacturing can be difficult. Many students are taught the traditional “Graduate high school and go to college for four years” mentality. While there’s nothing wrong with taking that route, how do we capture the attention of young talent? How do we make them see the career trajectory available in welding or fabrication? Lindsey Nix and Angela Kirlin share some actionable tactics and strategies in this episode of MakingSparks!

– Matthew Nix 

• [1:13] Lindsey’s dad joke
• [2:35] Create a Thomas™ profile
• [5:02] The internship programs at Nix Companies
• [9:53] Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security
• [12:21] How Nix is investing in recruiting 
• [15:57] The benefits of video marketing 
• [19:54] Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security
• [23:13] Spark of Knowledge: Try candidate tryouts
• [24:16] Leverage social media for recruiting
• [31:22] Now trending: work/life balance
• [34:23] Show children different career options
• [36:34] Register for IMTS 2024
• [37:42] Be authentic and consistent 

• Matthew Nix on LinkedIn
• Lindsey Nix on LinkedIn
• Angela Kirlin on LinkedIn
• Casey Voelker on LinkedIn
• ProFab Alliance
• Thomas™ Programs
• Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security
• Join the AMT Community
• IMTS 2024 Exhibitor Workshop
• Married to Each Other and the Business with Matthew Nix Part 1, 369
• Married to Each Other and the Business Part 2 with Lindsey Nix, 370

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

Most mom-and-pop shops don’t have to worry about recruiting, hiring, and retaining talent until they decide they want to grow. When you find yourself needing to recruit and hire talent, where do you start? Start with your core values. Your company needs core values and a clear mission and vision to hire the right people, build the right culture, and retain your team long-term. Lindsey Nix and Angela Kirlin weigh in on what it takes to recruit top talent in this episode of MakingSparks.

• [1:10] Introducing Lindsey Nix and Angela Kirlin
• [2:30] Casey’s dad joke of the day
• [4:02] Hiring and recruiting in the beginning
• [6:37] Sign up for a Thomas™ program!
• [9:38] How Angela learned the culture
• [12:18] Spark of Knowledge: Core Values
• [13:38] Angela’s role encompasses retention 
• [15:35] Recruiting women in fabrication 
• [18:15] Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security 
• [17:23] The importance of core values 
• [28:23] Join the AMT community

• Matthew Nix on LinkedIn
• Lindsey Nix on LinkedIn
• Angela Kirlin on LinkedIn
• ProFab Alliance
• Thomas™ Programs
• Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security
• Join the AMT Community
• Married to Each Other and the Business with Matthew Nix Part 1, 369
• Married to Each Other and the Business Part 2 with Lindsey Nix, 370

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

MakingSparks has officially arrived! Matthew Nix and I, Casey Voelker, are here to speak to the welding and fabrication industry. And just like MakingChips, we want to equip and inspire while attracting the next generation. Everyone will have some takeaways from MakingSparks.

In this episode, Matthew shares more about Nix Companies and their explosive growth over the last 20 years. We’ll also cover what you can expect from MakingSparks, who should listen, and give you a sneak peek at our next episode. 

– Casey 

• [3:24] Learn more about Matthew Nix and Nix Companies
• [5:33] Recruiting and talent retention in fabrication
• [7:27] Spark of Knowledge: Branding and marketing
• [9:25] Growing the company to 100x revenue
• [10:21] Who should listen to the MakingSparks podcast?
• [13:50] Learn more about IMTS+
• [15:13] What should we talk about?
• [16:25] What’s happening in our next episode? 

• Casey Voelker on LinkedIn
• Matthew Nix on LinkedIn
• Can You Scale Rapidly After 100 Years of Slow Growth? 308
• Married to Each Other and the Business with Matthew Nix Part 1, 369
• Married to Each Other and the Business Part 2 with Lindsey Nix, 370
• ProgressiveFabricator.com
• IMTS+

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