my TRUE POSITION

What do satellites and shop floors have in common? Wesley Grove connects the dots. In this episode, we talk about real-world innovation, smart failure, and how leadership lessons from manufacturing apply at orbital altitude. Wesley shares insights on team culture, process testing, and what small shops can borrow from space-tech thinking. Whether you're on the floor or calling the shots, this one's packed with practical takeaways.

What's it really like to have a business coach in your shop's corner? In this episode, I sit down with my longtime business partners and coaches, Dave Capkovitz and Mike Watkins from EBITDA Growth Systems. We dive into the rhythm, the real talk, and the raw challenges that shops like mine face every day. From behind-the-scenes coaching stories to how CARR Machine leans on their insights to stay focused and grow—we're breaking it all down. If you're running a shop and wondering how to break through to the next level, this one's for you.

AI isn't just for the big guys anymore. In this episode, Jim Carr sits down with Akshat Thirani, President of Amper Technologies, to break down how small- and mid-size manufacturers can actually use AI—without hiring a data scientist or spending a fortune. If you're AI-curious but skeptical, this conversation is for you.

What if your CFO actually understood your machine shop? In this episode of My TRUE POSITION, I sit down with Dave Capkovitz and Mike Watkins from EBITDA Growth Systems — the fractional CFO team that's helped us transform CARR Machine & Tool since 2022. Their bold promise? Double your EBITDA in three years or don't pay a dime.

We talk about why financial strategy is different for manufacturers, how their laser-focused expertise delivers real results, and what they uncovered that changed the game for our shop. If you're serious about scaling your business, this one's a must-listen.

If you're a small to midsize manufacturer like me, you know exactly what I'm talking about — constant calls, emails, and DMs from lenders promising fast cash and easy approvals. But what's really going on behind the scenes? How did they get our info, why are they targeting us, and what's the true cost of these so-called "solutions"?

In this episode of My TRUE POSITION, I'm breaking down the funding frenzy hitting our industry, sharing real-life examples, and giving you the playbook to protect your shop from getting trapped in expensive, short-term lending deals.

Before you answer that next call, listen to this.

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