In this episode of My TRUE POSITION, I’m talking about reverse shadowing — why it’s time for owners, managers, and executives to follow the people on the front lines and learn from them.

From the shop floor to shipping and admin, there’s something new to pick up if you’re willing to listen.

This is how you build trust. This is how you stay relevant.

Ever feel like LinkedIn is more of a burden than a benefit? You’re not alone. In this episode of My TRUE POSITION, we’re cutting through the noise and breaking down how manufacturers can use LinkedIn as a tool—not a time-sucking, stress-inducing headache.

• Why LinkedIn feels overwhelming (and how to fix it)
• How to engage without feeling pressured to post all the time
• The real way to connect with customers, vendors, and talent—without the corporate fluff
• A simple, no-BS LinkedIn strategy that actually works for manufacturing pros

Stop overthinking LinkedIn and start using it like a machine in your shop—efficient, effective, and only when you need it.

Thinking about getting ISO 9001 or AS9100 certified but not sure which one makes sense for your shop? In this episode of My TRUE POSITION, I break down the key differences, the real costs, and how to offset expenses using Manufacturing Extension Partnerships (MEPs).

If you want to win aerospace and defense contracts but the price tag has you hesitating, this episode is for you. No fluff—just straight talk on what it takes and whether it’s worth it.

Are you making the right first impression? If your bio is dull and your headshot is a blurry selfie, you’re not doing yourself any favors.

In this episode of My TRUE POSITION, I break down why every manufacturing leader needs a strong bio and a professional headshot. We’ll cover why your digital handshake matters, who needs one, how to craft it, and why a professional headshot is worth it.

If you want to be taken seriously in business, it’s time to step up your game. Hit play and let’s get into it!

Are You Ready for Pre-Retirement?

As a multi-generational manufacturing business owner, stepping away from the day-to-day is easier said than done. Have you staffed your business correctly? Do you have the right leadership, mid-level management, and sales pipeline in place to keep things running smoothly?

In this episode of My TRUE POSITION, I explore pre-retirement strategies—how to test the waters by taking extended time off, how to assess your business readiness, and how to determine if you're financially set for this next chapter.

What you'll learn:

• How to gradually reduce your involvement without risking the business
• Simple financial health checks to know if you're ready
• Why working with a financial planner is key
• How to maximize HSAs and 401(k) contributions

Are you protecting your shop’s secrets, or leaving the door open for competitors to take your hard work?

In this episode of My TRUE POSITION, explain why every machine shop needs a solid NDA.  I’ll share real-world lessons, that went sideways and could have been avoided with the right agreement in place.

From third-party programmers to heat treaters and finishing companies, you and your customer’s confidential information is at risk every time you share information. 

Listen to this episode to learn:

• What an NDA is and why it matters in manufacturing
• What should (and shouldn’t) be covered in your NDA
• The risks of not having one—and how to avoid costly mistakes
• How to implement NDAs with customers, suppliers, and employees

If you’ve ever worried about protecting your machining processes, pricing, or trade secrets, this episode is a must-listen. Don't wait — lock it down now!

Overtime: Is it driving growth or quietly eroding your culture and profitability?

In this episode, I reflect on decades of overtime practices at CARR Machine & Tool and shares key insights:

• The hidden costs of overtime on margins and efficiency.

• Why today’s workforce prioritizes work-life balance.

• How over-reliance on overtime can expose inefficiencies.

• The cultural challenges of inconsistent overtime practices.

I also detail the steps our team took to redefine our approach—streamlining production, improving communication, and using overtime as a strategic tool rather than a default solution.

Discover how a few strategic changes made all the difference for their shop and how it could do the same for yours.

What’s your brand? It’s a question I was asked over a decade ago, and it changed how I approach both business and personal growth. In this episode, we’ll explore the power of aligning your corporate brand with your personal brand.

Learn why your corporate brand builds trust, how your personal brand sets you apart, and how combining the two can amplify your success. Ready to elevate your brand? Tune in now!

2024 was a year of resilience, growth, and transformation for me personally and professionally. In this episode of My TRUE POSITION, I’m reflecting on the milestones we hit at CARR Machine & Tool, the exciting progress on this podcast, and some meaningful personal wins that made this year unforgettable. From expanding our capabilities in aerospace manufacturing to engaging younger generations, there’s plenty to celebrate. Plus, I’ll share how reshoring trends, automation, and sustainability are shaping the future of our industry. Join me as I look back on a year full of challenges and opportunities—and how we’re gearing up for 2025.

In this episode, I’m drilling into one of the most critical aspects of running a successful business: managing cash flow. 

I’ll explain why understanding the gap between Day Sales Outstanding (DSO) and Day Payables Outstanding (DPO) is crucial, and how leveraging that gap can give your business a major advantage.  

You’ll also hear practical strategies for negotiating extended terms with your vendors, using credit cards to your benefit (hello, cash back!), and encouraging your customers to pay faster. These are real-world tips you can start applying today to keep your shop running smoothly and profitably. Don’t miss it!