Radical Job Shop Show

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

In this episode of The Radical Job Shop Show, host Emily Joann Wilkins sits down with Steve Michon, owner of Zero Tolerance CNC, a precision tooling and plastic injection mold shop known for its craftsmanship, honesty, and people-first leadership.

Steve shares what it really takes to build a shop where truth matters, mistakes become teachers, and going the extra mile isn’t optional—it’s the standard. From using social media to build trust (not just attention) to hiring the next generation before experience retires, this conversation explores how leadership, transparency, and generosity shape long-term success in manufacturing.

We talk about building a culture where people feel safe to fail and learn, why responsiveness and communication matter more than ever, and how Steve views his role as both a lighthouse—guiding others with clarity—and a fountain, giving more than he takes.

Whether you’re leading a CNC shop, navigating growth, training young talent, or trying to build a manufacturing business rooted in trust and integrity, this episode offers a grounded, human take on what it means to lead well.

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 Steve Michon of Zero Tolerance CNC

01:08 – Steve’s wife, partnership, and founding the shop

02:00 – What Zero Tolerance CNC does (injection molds + tooling)

03:05 – Why Steve avoids automotive work

04:05 – Precision tooling, tight tolerances, and complex molds

05:10 – How work finds the shop: trust, word of mouth, and reputation

06:20 – Showing work in progress and building transparency

07:30 – Telling customers the truth when mistakes happen

08:45 – “Going the extra mile” as a leadership standard

10:05 – Communication, responsiveness, and personal touch

11:05 – What makes Steve’s shop truly radical

12:00 – Learning new technology and sharing knowledge

13:10 – Being a lighthouse and a fountain

14:40 – Hiring young talent and working with high schools

16:05 – Training, failure, and psychological safety

17:30 – Leadership, fear, and responsibility to employees

18:50 – Measuring impact beyond parts and profit

20:05 – Staying optimistic and grounded

21:15 – Closing thoughts on the future of manufacturing

In this episode of The Radical Job Shop Show, host Emily Joann Wilkins sits down with Phil Miller, owner of Star Machine, a precision CNC job shop built at the intersection of advanced manufacturing and Amish craftsmanship.

Phil shares how trust, integrity, and self-awareness shape the way he leads his team, serves his customers, and makes decisions for the long term.

From running a high-tech machine shop rooted in traditional values to embracing visibility, storytelling, and intentional branding, this conversation explores what happens when you stop trying to be everything to everyone—and instead build a shop aligned with who you truly are.

We talk about faith, family, employee development, and the responsibility that comes with stewardship—along with why building trust, choosing the right customers, and creating a human-first manufacturing culture are becoming real competitive advantages in today’s industry.

Whether you’re running a precision CNC shop, navigating leadership growth, or trying to build a manufacturing business with purpose—not just profit—this episode offers a grounded, honest look at what it means to build something that lasts.

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 – Welcome to The Radical Job Shop Show00:35 – Meet Phil Miller of Star Machine01:28 – Star Machine’s origin story and Amish roots02:55 – What makes Star Machine “radical”03:30 – Trust as a competitive advantage in manufacturing04:10 – Visibility, storytelling, and building human connection05:10 – Amish craftsmanship meets advanced CNC machining06:40 – Branding around what makes your shop different07:20 – Attracting ideal customers—and letting others walk away08:00 – Showing up on LinkedIn with authenticity09:15 – Self-awareness as a leader and shop owner10:20 – Navigating challenges, setbacks, and growth11:40 – Faith, reflection, and leadership development12:45 – Gratitude, presence, and caring for your team13:35 – Expansion plans and long-term vision15:00 – Stewardship, sustainability, and legacy over profit16:20 – Training young talent and mentoring the next generation17:10 – Exposing kids to manufacturing18:15 – Staying grounded outside the shop19:40 – Family, unplugging, and building a life alongside the business20:20 – Closing thoughts and gratitude

In this episode of The Radical Job Shop Show, Emily Joann Wilkins sits down with Ted Wilcome, Co-Founder of Innov8 Manufacturing, a shop that’s grown from one CNC in a tiny room to more than 16 machines in just five years.Ted is an engineer-turned-entrepreneur who got tired of begging shops for quotes and reasonable lead times — so he built the machining partner he always wished he could find. Today, Innov8 has a 98.5% quote rate, a hands-on apprenticeship program, and a customer experience built entirely around one core value: responsiveness.We dig into:– Why responsiveness is the next competitive advantage in U.S. manufacturing– How Innov8 cut wasted time from quoting and production– What engineers really want from their suppliers– Building a company culture where people can grow at their own pace– The leadership challenges (and rewards) of scaling fastWhether you’re struggling to keep up with RFQs, trying to improve turnaround times, or gearing up to scale your shop — this conversation is packed with insight.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.🚀 Want a brand that attracts better-fit customers?Start with The Setup: https://www.marketingmetal.com/the-setupExplore more of our work with Radical job shops:https://www.marketingmetal.comTimestamps00:00 – Intro: Meet Ted Wilcome of Innov8 Manufacturing00:34 – From engineer to machine shop founder02:00 – The frustration that sparked Innov803:00 – Why responsiveness beats low pricing04:00 – Growing from 1 CNC to 16 machines in 5 years05:00 – Bringing engineering + manufacturing together06:00 – 98.5% quote rate and solution-first thinking07:00 – Innov8’s apprenticeship model08:00 – Building talent pipelines and “talent escalators”09:00 – What really motivates Ted10:00 – Why great candidates keep choosing Innov811:00 – Clean, modern environment and variety of work11:40 – The secret sauce: customer service12:00 – Leadership challenge: letting go and delegating13:00 – Reducing quoting times from days to hours14:00 – Cutting waste out of U.S. manufacturing15:00 – Competing with overseas suppliers through speed15:40 – Closing thoughts & gratitude

In this episode of The Radical Job Shop Show, Emily Joann Wilkins sits down with Paul Hendricks, president of Creston Industrial Sales and co-founder of the Advanced Manufacturing Expo (AME).

Paul shares the story behind AME’s origin, his journey from construction to owning a top industrial distribution company, and the leadership philosophy that’s helped him build a thriving business and community.

From rigging in massive machines to saving clients hundreds of thousands of dollars with smarter tooling choices—this conversation goes deep on what it really takes to lead in manufacturing today.

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.

Learn more about Marketing Metal’s work with Radical job shops:https://www.marketingmetal.com/how-it...

🚀 Ready to build a brand that attracts better-fit work?Book a call with Emily: https://www.marketingmetal.com/the-setup

Timestamps

0:00 – Intro: Who is Paul Hendricks?

1:06 – 10 Years of the Advanced Manufacturing Expo

2:47 – “Rigging Day” and Cutting Thor’s Hammers

5:00 – How AME Got Started

8:00 – Building a Local Show with Real ROI

10:42 – Creston’s Origin Story

13:00 – Paul’s Leap into Ownership

14:00 – Learning on the Job + Industry Shifts

16:00 – Saving Clients $280K with Smarter Tooling

18:30 – True Cost vs. Price in Manufacturing

19:45 – Leading with Humility and Building a Team

21:10 – Mentorship, Advisory Boards & Accountability

22:40 – What’s Next: Automation, AI & Smarter Systems

25:00 – Why West Michigan is a Manufacturing Destination

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

In this episode of The Radical Job Shop Show, we're talking with Johnny Goode, President of MSP Manufacturing—a precision machine shop serving the aerospace and defense sectors.

Johnny's story is anything but ordinary—from law enforcement and the military to leading a shop with legacy programs and cutting-edge tech. We talk about how telling MSP's story helped land high-value customers, why company culture is his biggest flex, and how he's building a family-owned brand that punches way above its weight.

Whether you’re scaling your shop, experimenting with AI, or just trying to attract better-fit customers—this one’s packed with insight.

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.

Want to see the work we did for Johnny and his team?

Check out MSP's website: https://www.msp-manufacturing.com/

📌 Need help telling your story?

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

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: Meet Johnny Goode of MSP Manufacturing

01:10 – MSP’s origin story and legacy work in aerospace & defense

03:45 – Building a pipeline of young talent

05:36 – How MSP is using AI to scale smarter

08:00 – The power of telling your personal story in manufacturing

09:42 – Why MSP will "put boots on the ground" to hit a deadline

11:40 – The shift from faceless website to human-first branding

13:45 – Balancing leadership, parenthood, and a 4:45am workout

18:30 – What it's like leading a shop after five years in law enforcement

19:40 – Real growth since partnering with Marketing Metal

22:00 – Why community, culture, and work-life alignment matter

23:03 – Stretch goals and the path to $10M in revenue

Stay connected:

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

In this first episode of The Radical Job Shop Show, host Emily Joann Wilkins sits down with Tony Gunn to talk about creativity, vulnerability, and what makes a shop truly radical.

They dig into the evolution of job shops, the role of AI and robotics, generational dynamics, and the soul of the manufacturing industry. Tony also shares raw personal stories—including the moment he decided to show up fully and authentically in the manufacturing world.

Whether you're running a high-tech shop, holding it down on manual machines, or figuring out where you fit in this evolving landscape, this one’s for you.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome to the Radical Job Shop Show

01:20 – What Makes a Shop Truly Radical

03:00 – Creativity, Constraints & the Art of Making

05:30 – Tony’s Wild Career Journey: Machinist, Rapper, Soccer Player

07:00 – Why Vulnerability & Storytelling Matter

08:45 – The Real Impact of AI & Data on Shops

11:15 – Generational Shifts & the Future of Manufacturing

14:00 – Bridging the Gap: Listening, Adapting & Leading with Empathy

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.

Stay connected:

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