If you're managing 3–5 vendors just to get one assembly built, this is what it looks like when it’s done right.Welcome to Teltron Manufacturing — a fully integrated machine shop combining sheet metal fabrication, CNC machining, welding, forming, finishing, and assembly under one roof.No handoffs. No finger-pointing. No chasing vendors.In this episode of the Radical Job Shop Tour, Emily visits Teltron to see how the team transformed a legacy fabrication shop into a modern, high-performance manufacturing partner. From 5-axis machining to lights-out laser automation, in-house finishing, and integrated workflows, this is what a true one-stop shop looks like.What Teltron Does In-HousePrecision sheet metal fabricationCNC machining (3, 4, and 5-axis)Welding and formingPowder coating and wet paintPart marking and finishingMechanical assembly and test fitSend the print. They take it from there.Why It MattersMost shops stop at parts.Teltron delivers finished assemblies that fit, function, and ship ready.That means:Fewer vendors to manageFaster lead timesBetter quality controlNo surprises at final assemblyBuilt for OEMs in robotics, semiconductor, and defense who are done dealing with rework, delays, and communication breakdowns.Inside the ShopIn this tour, you’ll see:Lights-out laser automation (15-shelf tower)Fiber laser welding and cobot automationOffline programming and integrated systemsA facility built for scale and flowGet StartedIf you need a partner that can take a project from print to finished assembly, start here.Full case study:https://www.marketingmetal.com/radica...About Teltron ManufacturingTeltron Manufacturing is a contract manufacturer specializing in precision sheet metal fabrication, CNC machining, welding, forming, finishing, and assembly. Their integrated model gives customers more control, faster turnaround, and a better finished product.About Marketing MetalMarketing Metal helps machine shops and manufacturers build brands that attract the right customers, strengthen authority, and support long-term growth.Hashtags#MachineShopTour #SheetMetalFabrication #CNCMachining #Manufacturing #Assembly #JobShop #RadicalJobShopTimestamps00:00 – Welcome to Teltron Manufacturing00:10 – CNC Machining in a Sheet Metal Job Shop01:11 – How Teltron Combines Sheet Metal and CNC Machining02:11 – Building a Young, Cross-Trained Manufacturing Team03:54 – Reducing Waste with Laser Cutting + Machining05:01 – Job Shop DNA and the “Whatever It Takes” Mindset06:08 – People-First Culture and Retaining Good Talent06:49 – Planning the New Facility for Future Growth09:00 – Welding Capabilities, Fiber Laser Welding, and Cobot Automation10:54 – New Equipment, Integrated Software, and Offline Programming12:00 – Lights-Out Laser Automation and 6kW Fiber Laser Capacity14:04 – Turret Punch Press, Forming, and Automated Sheet Metal Processing15:15 – Modernizing a Legacy Shop with New Equipment16:38 – Press Brake Technology and Offline Forming Programs18:23 – Why In-House Paint and Powder Coating Matter20:14 – What Makes Teltron a Radical Job Shop

In this Chairlift Conversations episode of The Radical Job Shop Show, host Emily Joann Wilkins rides up Mammoth Mountain with Patrick Lee and Keith Lee of Liberty Manufacturing, Teak Ackman, Jesse Randall, and Will Whitman of Seven Star Machine Engineering to talk about building a machine shop from scratch, growing into contract manufacturing, and finding opportunity in machining.The conversation covers marine repair work, reverse engineering obsolete parts, starting a shop in a garage, scaling a machining business, and why manufacturing still feels like one of the most straightforward ways to build something tangible.Patrick and Keith also share the story behind Liberty Manufacturing — how they went from a small garage setup with a mill and lathe to a growing shop with four machines, niche pharmaceutical tooling work, and customers in automation and machine building.Marketing Metal also recently helped Liberty Manufacturing sharpen their brand and website as part of our Radical Job Shops case study series. Check out the full Liberty Manufacturing case study here:https://www.marketingmetal.com/radica...This episode explores:– Starting a CNC machine shop from the ground up– Reverse engineering and repair manufacturing– Marine industry machining challenges– Contract manufacturing and job shop growth– Building a manufacturing business with family– Branding and websites for machine shops– Scaling from garage startup to professional operationWhether you're running a small machine shop, building a manufacturing startup, or trying to grow your customer base, this conversation offers a grounded look at what it takes to build momentum in manufacturing.Thanks to our friends at Toolpath for bringing the Machining Summit to life and inviting us to capture these conversations from the chairlift at Mammoth Mountain, California.🚀 Want a brand that attracts better-fit customers?Start with The Setup:https://www.marketingmetal.com/the-setupExplore more at:https://www.marketingmetal.comTimestamps00:00 – Intro: Chairlift Conversations at the Machining Summit00:58 – Meet the crew from Liberty Manufacturing and Sunny Starland01:42 – Marine repair, fabrication, and machining work02:16 – Ice boat nozzles and large welded structures03:00 – Expanding into contract machining and job shop work03:44 – Reverse engineering obsolete parts04:18 – New Jersey roots and moving operations to Pennsylvania05:02 – Wanting to “make stuff” and build something of their own05:48 – Why manufacturing feels foundational06:16 – Meet Patrick and Keith of Liberty Manufacturing06:34 – Launching Liberty Manufacturing from the ground up06:58 – Branding, websites, and working with Marketing Metal07:57 – Starting in a garage with a mill and lathe08:18 – Growing to four machines in under a year08:33 – Pharmaceutical tooling and automation customers08:51 – Building parts for robot integrators and testing systems09:11 – Closing thoughts from the chairlift

In this Chairlift Conversations episode of The Radical Job Shop Show, host Emily Joann Wilkins rides up Mammoth Mountain with a group of manufacturing professionals from across the machining industry—including Justin Wilkins of MillerKnoll, Paul Clauss of Toolpath, Ethan Patane of Centric Iterations, Matthew Matyash, Paul Van Metre of ProShop ERP, and David Liu of finalREV.What starts as casual conversation quickly turns into a deep discussion about machine shops, entrepreneurship, automation, marketing, CAD/CAM software, content creation, and how younger generations are building careers in manufacturing differently.From Harbor Freight CNC conversions and Formula SAE to AI editing tools, ERP systems, Instagram marketing, and five-axis machining, this episode captures the kind of real-world shop talk that happens when manufacturing people get together outside the booth floor.The conversation explores:– Why machine shops still grow through relationships and word of mouth– How social media is changing manufacturing marketing– The challenge of balancing engineering and entrepreneurship– Why consistency matters more than perfection in content creation– How younger machinists are building businesses through Instagram and YouTube– Automation, software, and reducing friction in modern manufacturingWhether you're running a CNC machine shop, learning CAD/CAM, building a manufacturing brand, or trying to grow your customer pipeline, there’s something in this ride for you.Thanks to our friends at Toolpath for bringing the Machining Summit to life and inviting us to capture these conversations from the chairlift at Mammoth Mountain, California.🚀 Want a brand that attracts better-fit customers?Start with The Setup:https://www.marketingmetal.com/the-setupExplore more at:https://www.marketingmetal.comTimestamps00:00 – Intro: Chairlift Conversations at the Machining Summit00:58 – Sales, engineering, customer success, and wearing multiple hats01:23 – Toolpath customer success and onboarding01:49 – Meet David Liu from Final R02:06 – Reducing friction through software and automation02:42 – Herman Miller engineering and workspace optimization03:30 – Standing desks, walking pads, and productivity04:22 – Meet Paul Van Metre of ProShop ERP05:18 – Machines, automation, EDMs, lasers, and prototyping05:37 – Word-of-mouth marketing for machine shops05:45 – “Don’t should on yourself” about social media06:23 – AI tools for editing manufacturing content07:06 – Why repeating your marketing message matters07:51 – Five-axis machining videos and content strategy09:17 – CAD/CAM software talk: Fusion, HyperMill, SprutCAM, and more10:22 – Building a machine shop through Instagram10:52 – Why networking beats traditional advertising11:14 – Formula SAE and getting started in machining12:27 – Woodworking camps, engineering projects, and homemade machines14:08 – Harbor Freight CNC conversions and startup stories15:02 – How documenting projects became a business16:22 – Winning a Fadal CNC auction and the panic that followed

In this Chairlift Conversations episode of The Radical Job Shop Show, host Emily Joann Wilkins talks with Jason Erickson, a mechanical engineer, side-business owner, and aerospace professional navigating the overlap between engineering, entrepreneurship, and manufacturing.Jason shares his experience running a machine shop while working in aerospace fasteners at Click Bond, along with the challenges of balancing technical work, marketing, hiring, and growth.The conversation explores why relationships still drive manufacturing, the pressure of wearing multiple hats as a shop owner, and how younger generations are approaching networking and business differently.From Bonneville racing projects to engineering culture and brand-building, this episode captures the kind of honest manufacturing conversation that only happens on a chairlift.Whether you're running a CNC machine shop, working in manufacturing engineering, or trying to grow a small industrial business, there’s a lot to relate to in this one.Thanks to our friends at Toolpath for bringing the Machining Summit to life and inviting us to capture these conversations from the chairlift at Mammoth Mountain, California.🚀 Want a brand that attracts better-fit customers?Start with The Setup:https://www.marketingmetal.com/the-setupExplore more at:https://www.marketingmetal.comTimestamps00:00 – Intro: Chairlift Conversations at the Machining Summit00:58 – Meet Jason Erickson01:19 – Why Jason came to the Machining Summit01:43 – Mechanical engineering + running a machine shop02:17 – Aerospace fasteners and working at Click Bond02:35 – The reality of running your own business02:52 – Wearing multiple hats as a shop owner03:10 – Advanced innovation, side businesses, and entrepreneurship03:22 – Why engineers struggle with marketing03:58 – Building pipeline without relying on ads04:30 – Why manufacturing is still relationship-driven04:41 – Generational shifts in networking and business05:10 – Erikson Racing and Bonneville projects05:45 – Human-powered vehicle projects06:04 – Why “racing” creates insurance headaches06:19 – “So you need a rebrand…”

In this special Chairlift Conversations edition of The Radical Job Shop Show, host Emily Joann Wilkins sits down with Al Whatmough to talk about the idea behind the Machining Summit—and how a simple moment on a ski lift turned into one of the most unique events in manufacturing.Al shares how the concept started, why traditional trade shows weren’t cutting it, and what happens when you design an event around real conversations instead of booths and badges.From industry collaboration to intentional community-building, this episode is a behind-the-scenes look at how the Machining Summit came to life—and why it works.“when you're stuck on a chair lift for a few minutes, you talk.”Whether you're in CNC machining, running a job shop, or part of the manufacturing industry, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on connection, events, and leadership.Thanks to our friends at Toolpath for bringing the Machining Summit to life and inviting us to capture these conversations from the chairlift at Mammoth Mountain, California.🚀 Want a brand that attracts better-fit customers?Start with The Setup:https://www.marketingmetal.com/the-setupExplore more at:https://www.marketingmetal.comTimestamps00:00 – Intro: Chairlift Conversations at the Machining Summit00:34 – Meet Al Whatmough of Toolpath01:43 – Where the idea for the Machining Summit started02:02 – “We should just do this instead of a trade show”02:33 – Getting buy-in from the industry03:01 – Why chairlifts create better conversations03:44 – Making events more human (and bringing family along)04:10 – Rethinking how conferences are structured04:37 – From small idea to full event05:02 – Condo sessions, rock crawlers, and unexpected engagement05:54 – Planning the future of the Machining Summit06:20 – Why location matters (and attracts the right people)06:47 – Final thoughts: “Coolest conference ever”

In this episode of the Radical Job Shop Show, Emily Wilkins visits Spectrum Machine & Design in Windsor Locks, Connecticut — a high-precision aerospace and defense manufacturer specializing in critical aircraft engine components.From five-axis mill-turns and pallet automation systems to 100% inspection processes and electron beam welding solutions, Spectrum isn’t just machining parts — they’re engineering solutions.If you’ve ever wondered what a truly systems-driven aerospace shop looks like, this is it.Inside this tour, you’ll see:• Aerospace engine components machined to ±2.5 tenths• How Spectrum digitized their shop floor with ProShop• A pallet system that moves parts between machines automatically• Inconel and Waspaloy hog-outs• 100% inspection culture — even on 20,000-piece runs• How they solved a casting availability issue with electron beam welding• A team with an average shop age of 33Spectrum Machine & Design is proof that precision, investment, and culture can coexist — and scale.About Spectrum Machine & DesignAerospace & defense manufacturer specializing in aircraft engine components, rotating parts, turbine hardware, and high-precision assemblies.Explore their new website: https://wemachine.com/About Marketing MetalMarketing Metal helps machine shops, fabricators, and custom equipment builders craft radical brands that build legacy, attract the right customers, and scale with clarity.#RadicalJobShop #MachineShopTour #AerospaceManufacturing #PrecisionMachining #ManufacturingLeadershipTimestamps00:00 – Welcome to Spectrum Machine & DesignEmily intro + positioning as aerospace & defense shop01:23 – Aerospace Engine Components & Critical PartsBlades, vanes, blisks, rotating components02:10 – Digitizing the Shop Floor (ProShop Rollout)Single source of truth + touchscreen operator interface03:18 – NADCAP-Approved EDM CapabilitiesWire & sinker EDM investment for aerospace work04:45 – Optical Inspection vs Traditional ComparatorWhy precision matters at this level05:15 – 100% Inspection CultureDog bone profiles, CMM room, no shortcuts08:03 – ±2.5 Tenths: Aerospace Precision ExplainedPump housing tolerances + finish requirements09:42 – Land Turbines & Military WorkGround power + battleship gearbox bracket10:27 – 5-Axis Mill Turn & Custom WorkholdingDesigning fixtures in-house11:02 – Building a Young, High-Performance TeamAverage shop age 3313:58 – The “Franken-Part” SolutionElectron beam welding to solve casting shortage16:07 – From Plate to Finished SegmentWire EDM + multi-step machining process18:13 – 12-Pallet Automation SystemUnattended machine-to-machine part movement20:30 – 20-Hour Cycle Jet Engine CaseFive parts per week, zero compromise21:29 – Programming, NX, and VericutEngineering depth behind the scenes22:00 – What Makes Spectrum Radical

In this episode of The Radical Job Shop Show, Emily Joann Wilkins sits down with Lance Locker and Casey Lambs, co-founders of FeedLogic — a Northwestern University startup using vibration analysis and machine learning to help CNC machinists optimize feeds and speeds, reduce chatter, and extend tool life.

What started on a collegiate Formula Racing team has turned into a manufacturing technology venture focused on solving one of the most common frustrations in machining: guessing your way through speeds, feeds, and tool performance.

FeedLogic is building a prototype device that captures vibration data during cutting and correlates it to stability, tool wear, and material removal rate — giving machinists clearer insight into what’s actually happening at the spindle.

This conversation explores what happens when the next generation of engineers chooses manufacturing.

We dig into:

• How FeedLogic was born on a Formula Racing team

• Why guessing feeds and speeds still dominates CNC programming

• Using vibration analysis to reduce chatter

• Extending tool life through data

• Machine learning applications in CNC machining

• Early-stage product development inside a university shop

• Getting manufacturing tech into the hands of job shops

• Why young engineers are choosing hard tech over software

• Workforce challenges in machining

• Making manufacturing “cool” again for the next generation

Thanks to our friends at Creston Industrial Sales who backed our first season live at the Advanced Manufacturing Expo in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

🚀 Want to build a brand that attracts the right customers and talent?

Start with The Setup:
https://www.marketingmetal.com/how-it-works

Explore more Radical Job Shop stories:
https://www.marketingmetal.com

Timestamps

00:00 – Show intro
00:34 – Meet Lance & Casey of FeedLogic
02:14 – How they got into machining
04:19 – The origin of FeedLogic on a Formula Racing team
05:18 – Where the product is in development
06:59 – Early adopters and shop testing
07:02 – What Marketing Metal does for job shops
09:47 – The workforce gap in manufacturing
10:22 – Why young engineers are choosing machining
10:22 – FeedLogic’s call to action

In this episode of The Radical Job Shop Show, host Emily Joann Wilkins sits down with Chris Braniecki, co-owner of IQ Manufacturing, a high-mix CNC job shop that scaled from one machine in a barn to 20 CNCs and 25 employees, running two shifts, seven days a week.

Chris shares the unconventional path that led him into shop ownership — from building a patented tennis ball machine prototype to realizing that tooling costs could fund something bigger: a machining business built for long-term stability. Along the way, IQ Manufacturing earned major certifications including AS9100, ISO 9001, ITAR, JCP Enhanced, CMMC Level 2, enabling them to serve aerospace, defense, automotive prototyping, and more.

This conversation goes deep on what it takes to build a durable CNC shop in a volatile market — including why Chris intentionally avoids trends, refuses the race to the bottom, and builds systems that reduce ego-driven decision-making. We also talk about quoting, mistakes, leadership honesty, and why targeted marketing and real brand visibility help with recruiting, customer trust, and long-term growth.

We dig into:
– How IQ Manufacturing started (and why it began “by accident”)
– Scaling from 1 machine to 20 CNCs and 25 employees
– Certifications that unlock aerospace and defense work (AS9100, ITAR, CMMC, JCP)
– Building “silos of work” to avoid feast-or-famine cycles
– Why Chris does the opposite of what “everyone” recommends
– Creating a shop culture where people admit mistakes and keep improving
– Quoting prototypes and managing risk in custom manufacturing
– Why chasing low-price RFQs is a losing game
– Marketing, recruiting, and why targeted followers beat vanity metrics
– Using a strong shop brand to attract employees, customers, and partners

Thanks to our friends at Creston Industrial Sales who've backed our mission since day one. We were able to kick things off live at the Advanced Manufacturing Expo in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

🚀 Ready to build a brand that attracts better-fit work?
Start with The Setup: https://www.marketingmetal.com/the-setup

Stay connected:
Explore more at https://www.marketingmetal.com

00:00 – Intro: The Radical Job Shop Show
00:34 – Meet Chris Braniecki of IQ Manufacturing
01:01 – How IQ got started: the tennis ball machine origin story
02:35 – From one machine in a barn to a real shop
03:20 – Scaling to 20 CNCs, 25 employees, two shifts, seven days a week
03:42 – Aerospace, defense, and certifications (AS9100, ITAR, CMMC, JCP)
04:57 – Why IQ runs “silos of work” to stay busy year-round
06:01 – Doing the opposite of trends and following real experts
06:55 – Systems, ego, and creating one standard way of working
07:15 – Lowering the fear of mistakes (and why it matters)
08:39 – Avoiding the race to the bottom in quoting and RFQs
09:50 – What motivates Chris (and why he likes solving hard problems)
11:18 – Transparency with numbers and teaching cost-awareness
12:02 – Talent vs. teamwork: the kind of employees IQ keeps
12:51 – Growth goals: more shifts, faster lead times, turnkey work
14:35 – Why shops struggle when they don’t value themselves
15:41 – Desperation, confidence, and selling value
16:15 – Vanity metrics vs. targeted followers
17:28 – How marketing supports recruiting and customer trust
19:00 – Closing thoughts + gratitude

Timestamps

In this episode of The Radical Job Shop Show, host Emily Joann Wilkins sits down with Jim Mayer, founder of The Manufacturing Connector and a longtime advocate for people-first manufacturing culture.Jim has spent decades inside machine shops, distribution, and manufacturing organizations of every size—and he’s seen firsthand what separates shops that thrive from those that struggle. In this conversation, we dig into why culture, self-awareness, and leadership matter more than ever, and why even the best technology can’t fix a broken people system.We talk about what truly makes a shop radical: leaders who know their strengths and gaps, teams that feel respected and empowered, and organizations that invest in community, purpose, and long-term impact. Jim also shares hard truths about performative culture, the misuse of AI, and why manufacturing’s future depends on integrating technology with humans—not replacing them.Whether you’re leading a job shop, navigating growth, or trying to build a manufacturing business that attracts and keeps great people, this episode offers a grounded, honest look at what it really means to lead well in today’s industry.Special thanksThanks to our friends at Creston Industrial Sales who've backed our mission since day one. We were able to kick things off live at the Advanced Manufacturing Expo in Grand Rapids, Michigan.📌 Need help telling your story?Start with The Setup:https://www.marketingmetal.com/how-it...Stay connected:Explore more at https://www.marketingmetal.comTimestamps00:00 – Intro: The Radical Job Shop Show00:36 – Meet Jim Mayer of The Manufacturing Connector01:26 – Why regional manufacturing shows matter02:23 – Smaller shows = better conversations (quality vs quantity)03:10 – Emily’s origin story with AME + trading services for a booth04:37 – Jim’s non-linear path into manufacturing05:18 – Why “culture” and “consultant” scare people in manufacturing06:35 – What makes a shop truly radical07:10 – Culture over technology (turnover + productivity stats)08:22 – Treating people well beats having the best machines09:05 – What separates great leaders from average ones10:10 – AI, marketing, and losing the human element11:30 – Journaling, reflection, and leadership growth12:18 – Great leaders hire people smarter than them13:45 – Self-awareness as the foundation of leadership15:41 – Impact beyond profit: why community matters16:17 – Real examples of manufacturing impact (Bent River + more)18:02 – Performative culture vs. authentic culture18:25 – What Jim is most excited about: humans + Industry 4.0 tech together19:29 – Closing thoughts + gratitude

In this episode of The Radical Job Shop Show, host Emily Joann Wilkins sits down with Pete Vellenga, founder of Lightspeed Solutions, a new manufacturing and engineering consultancy helping companies bring products to market through design for manufacturing (DFM), prototyping, and early-stage production.

With more than 35 years in manufacturing, Pete shares what pushed him to finally go all in on building his own business—and why relationships, networking, and humility matter just as much as technical skill. From carving out a clear niche to combining additive and subtractive manufacturing under one roof, this conversation explores what it really takes to launch something sustainable in today’s manufacturing landscape.

We talk about the dangers of trying to do everything, why job shops are the backbone of the industry, and how leadership rooted in service—not ego—creates stronger teams and better outcomes. Pete also shares candid insights on entrepreneurship, mental resilience, and why embracing change, automation, and continuous learning is critical for the future of manufacturing.

Whether you’re thinking about starting your own shop, growing beyond a side hustle, or trying to build a business with intention and long-term impact, this episode offers an honest look at what the early days really require.

Special thanks

Thanks to our friends at Creston Industrial Sales who've backed our mission since day one. We were able to kick things off live at the Advanced Manufacturing Expo in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

📌 Need help telling your story?

Start with The Setup:

https://www.marketingmetal.com/how-it-works

Stay connected:

Explore more at https://www.marketingmetal.com

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro: The Radical Job Shop Show

00:34 – Meet Pete Vellenga of Lightspeed Solutions

01:05 – 35 years in manufacturing and launching a new business

02:10 – Why Lightspeed started organically through relationships

03:20 – The importance of networking before going out on your own

04:10 – Why most startups fail without a strong network

05:30 – Being solo at AME and the power of partnerships

06:45 – Building momentum in the early days

08:00 – Going all in vs. staying a side hustle

09:15 – Using automation, AI, and your network wisely

10:30 – Small-batch work and direct customer relationships

11:30 – Combining additive and subtractive manufacturing

12:45 – Finding your niche and avoiding “we do everything”

14:05 – Job shops as the backbone of manufacturing

15:10 – Vision for Lightspeed and future expansion

16:20 – Measuring impact beyond money

17:35 – Giving back to the manufacturing community

18:55 – Leadership as service, not ego

20:10 – Mental health, sacrifice, and entrepreneurship