Ever get that email saying, ‘We want to offer you a book deal’? Yeah…bullshit. These aren’t publishers—they’re predators. They target business owners, shop leaders, and podcasters like you and me, flashing fake promises of instant authority while draining your wallet.

In this episode, I rip the lid off the vanity press scam: how they work, how to spot the red flags, and what separates a real publisher from a snake-oil salesman in a suit. If you’ve ever been tempted to sign one of these “deals,” you’ll want to hear this first.

In this episode of My TRUE POSITION, Jim Carr by his CFO and business coach Dave Capkovitz, for a candid conversation about what it really takes to evolve a second-generation machine shop.

They share the raw, behind-the-scenes truth of CARR Machine & Tool’s transition from a traditional mom-and-pop operation into a high-value, high-production aerospace supplier. From cutting unprofitable work and firing the wrong customers to building a culture that drives accountability, this episode is a blueprint for growth that’s built on data, discipline, and hard conversations.

If you're a shop owner, next-gen leader, or business coach looking for real insight into increasing profitability, valuation, and leadership strength—this one’s for you.

In this episode of My TRUE POSITION, Jim Carr uncovers the real story behind artifact parts in Gage R&R studies. Too many shops are cutting corners when it comes to validating their measurement systems, and it’s putting quality—and customer trust—at risk. Jim breaks down what artifact parts are, why they matter for AS9100-certified shops, and how to manufacture, manage, and apply them correctly.

If you’re serious about tightening up your process and making your measurement data truly reliable, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Is that employee “taking time off”… or walking out quietly? In this episode, Jim Carr dissects the real motives behind employee leave. From legal obligations to return-to-work odds, he lays out the business math behind whether to hold the door open—or close it for good.

PE firms are circling job shops like vultures — waving fat checks and buzzwords like “scale” and “efficiency.” But what happens after the champagne dries up? In this episode, Jim Carr calls BS on the fairy tale. From hidden costs and control loss to culture-killing org charts, he breaks down what selling really means for you, your team, and your legacy.

What happens when AI-powered Ray-Ban glasses stroll onto your ITAR-regulated shop floor?

In this episode of My TRUE POSITION, I unpack how one slick-looking gadget could blow a hole in your compliance, expose your customer’s IP, and turn your machine shop into a liability overnight.

From real-world risks to hardline strategies, I’m calling this tech what it is: a threat to every shop that makes serious parts.

Smart specs. Dumb risk. Listen up.

Too many part numbers. Too many changeovers. Too much chaos. For years, we ran a low-volume, high-mix job shop — and it was eating us alive. Until we flipped the model.

In this episode, I break down our full-on shift to high-volume, low-mix production: what pushed us over the edge, how we pulled it off, and what every shop owner needs to hear if you’re tired of running in circles. I’m talking about the pain of quoting chaos, the burnout from nonstop setups, and what we gained when we finally focused on the right kind of work.

If your machines are quiet because you’re buried in prep, not production — this one’s for you.

You’re the face of the shop — act like it. In this episode, Jim Carr unpacks why getting out of the office, shaking hands, and “kissing babies” isn’t politics… it’s leadership. Whether it’s a customer visit, trade show, or just showing up when it counts, your presence is your most powerful tool.

Inside This Episode:

What “kissing babies” really means in manufacturing

How trust builds faster in person — and why that boosts your bottom line

• Real examples from the field where face-time made the difference

• How to make customer visits a strategic weapon, not a time suck

• If you’re hiding behind email or think your sales team’s got it covered — this one’s for you.

Dropped $10K on a booth and walked away with a pocketful of business cards and no leads? You’re not alone. In this gritty solo episode, I pull back the curtain on the real ROI of trade shows—what works, what doesn’t, and how to stop wasting money on flashy displays with zero follow-up.

Whether you're a shop owner, ops manager, or just trying to make sense of your marketing spend, I’m giving you hard numbers, straight talk, and actionable tips to turn your next trade show into a revenue engine.

Metrics, mistakes, and money—this one’s got it all.

Trade shows aren’t about who stops by your booth—it’s what you do after they leave.