my TRUE POSITION

What would you do if suddenly, within one day, were thrown into a new role like running the business? One day you're an employee and the next day the boss - literally - think about how fast you'd have to pivot, tough decisions for sure.

Have you ever wondered what association will bring you the biggest ROI? On this episode I interview my friend Kathly Gilmore, President of the Valley Industrial Association (VIA) here in Chicagoland. She tells us all the new news happening there and if this is something that is right for you.

If you've ever dreamed of buying a machine shop, then this episode will be just the ticket for you. I interviewed Bill Angsten of ANPEC Industries. Bill shares the challenges and successes of buying, operating and creating a strategic road map for the future of his business.

If you're like me you know the pains of growing up in a small, closely-held manufacturing company. Where there is no accountability, process or guardrails. You know these experiences, having no HR or no filters or no process. On this episode I share four decades of my experiences from the shop floor to the front office.

Are you at a networking event and someone is overly friendly? Are they invading your space and immediately your best friend? Do they try and make you feel good about yourself? Well that's a red light to warn you this person could be an opportunist.

Are you scared of communicating? Does the thought of telling a vendor their quality is awful? How about telling a customer that you quoted the job incorrectly and you're going to have to charge them 30% more. Well on this episode I'll share some tips and tricks of what I've learned by being honest and authentic about clear communication.

Is your manufacturing company on a path for growth? Do you like process and planning? Are you afraid of change? Does your team collaborate well? Well War Room meetings might be just the ticket for your company.

Did you grow up in a family owned business learning that a thriving company should be debt free? Is that a good approach to growing your business? Is it even possible? In this episode I share my own feelings on debt and offer some unusual lending options.

One of the top three hardest things I've had to do in my career was to terminate a veteran employee. An employee who I worked with for 21 years. I knew him, his family, and many aspects of his personal life. AND I had to give him the bad news that we were parting ways. On this episode, I share the gut-wrenching task of firing a friend.

Do you get random texts from "Amazon" saying they can't deliver your product, or how about your credit card has been compromised and you need to call or click the link immediately to stop it. The hackers are getting smarter and we're vulnerable. On this episode I'm going to share what to look for and not do and my own experience of ACH fraud and how to mitigate it.