Kicking off a new year often comes with big goals, bold plans, and fresh momentum. But before chasing what's next, we decided to slow down and focus on something more foundational: our core values.

In this episode, we share the behind-the-scenes process of defining the values that will guide MakingChips through 2026 and beyond. With the help of Jim Mayer, we took the ideas, behaviors, and instincts that had shaped the brand for years and intentionally put words around them.

We talk about why core values are more than slogans on a wall. When done right, they become filters for decisions, hiring, investments, partnerships, and even the content we create. We also challenge a common misconception: that shared values require everyone to think the same way. Instead, strong values allow for diversity of background, belief, and perspective while still pulling people in the same direction.

Along the way, the conversation blends humor, honesty, and real-world examples from manufacturing shops that live their values every day. From having fun at work to taking responsibility seriously, we explore how culture, action, and consistency are deeply connected.

Whether you're running a shop, leading a team, or building a brand, this episode offers both inspiration and a practical framework for defining values that actually get used, not ignored. It's a reset for the year and a reminder that intentional culture is never accidental.

Segments

• (0:00) Work, play, and why loving what you do matters
• (3:37) Why we decided to define our core values intentionally
• (4:19) Mission versus values and how they work together
• (6:30) Why we decided to do this exercise
• (7:28) Join us at the 2026 IMTS Exhibitor Workshop
• (9:35) Why shared values don't require identical beliefs
• (11:09) What core values are not and why posters don't work
• (13:57) Dissecting aspirational versus practical values
• (16:05) The process we used to define our values
• (20:52) Value #1: Elevating our Metalworking Nation
• (22:33) Value #2: Being real, raw, and bold
• (23:17) Investing in ProShop is an investment in your business
• (25:25) Value #3: Action is the outcome: say it, do it, own it
• (27:56) Value #4: Serious about manufacturing, never too serious about ourselves
• (33:16) Value #5: Contagious energy and unstoppable passion
• (35:43) A practical framework for defining your own values
• (37:42) Why we created Hire MFG Leaders (and why you should use it)
• (38:51) Putting values to work in reviews, hiring, and decisions

Resources mentioned on this episode

• Join us at the 2026 IMTS Exhibitor Workshop
• Invest in ProShop, invest in your business
• Check out Hire MFG Leaders for your next hire
• Kyra Tillman of BTM Industries
• Connect with Jim Mayer to define your core values

Connect With MakingChips

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