With the economy in 2025 being so unpredictable, learn how to keep your shop moving forward even when things get tough. Stay productive, confident, and proactive by using proven strategies from ShopSabre's Talkin' Shop podcast. Hosts Brandon Bombardo and Nick Peters discuss real-world challenges such as supply chain issues, rising costs, and labor shortages, and show how you can turn these problems into growth opportunities through automation and smart choices.

This episode explores how uncertainty is a normal part of running a shop, especially in manufacturing and CNC work. Find out why reacting emotionally can slow you down, and see how focusing on what you can control, like your attitude, effort, and important tasks, helps you build momentum. Learn the difference between just being busy and actually being productive, with tips on delegating, automating simple tasks, and tracking key performance indicators for long-term efficiency. The hosts share real examples, such as using CNC fixtures like All Star gaskets for holding small parts and improving workflows to cut waste when costs go up.

Brandon and Nick offer practical advice, such as setting daily priorities, celebrating small wins to keep spirits up, and using slow periods to train your team. They highlight how good leadership builds confidence, encourages cross-training, and supports using technology like nesting software or ERP systems so you can make decisions based on facts instead of fear. Whether you run a woodworking shop adding new products or a manufacturing business automating tasks, this episode shows that challenges can reveal new opportunities and help you earn smarter, not just easier, money.

If you own a shop and want practical, SEO-friendly tips on building business resilience, this episode is a helpful guide for thriving in any market. While it focuses on U.S. manufacturers facing local economic changes, the advice can be useful for shops anywhere.

Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro to Talkin' Shop with Brandon and Nick 00:28 - Understanding Business Uncertainty in 2025 01:23 - Banter and Episode Overview 04:41 - Tips for Small Part Hold-Down with Vacuum Fixtures 09:55 - Global Supply Chains and Market Shifts 14:59 - Focused Action vs. Random Motion 22:14 - Building Team Confidence and Morale 33:30 - Turning Challenges into Opportunities with Automation

Check out all of our equipment at https://www.shopsabre.com/

Follow us for daily CNC content Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopsabre Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopsabre Twitter/X: https://x.com/ShopSabreCNC TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shopsabre LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shopsabre-cnc/

Like and Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more CNC router and CNC plasma cutting machine tutorials, DIY project builds, and more. We feature cutting in different materials such as wood, plastic, aluminum, and other various steels.

For over 20 years, ShopSabre CNC has provided businesses and hobbyists with the best CNC machines at the best value. By focusing on unbeatable customer service and high-quality products built in the USA, we've grown from a single machine built at home to one of the most trusted CNC machine manufacturers in the country.

Since building our first machine two decades ago, we now have over 10,000 CNC routers, plasma, and laser engraving machines in a wide variety of industries in over 40 countries. Our success is a result of our commitment to developing a better way to build CNC machines and support our customers.

ShopSabre CNC www.ShopSabre.com 21673 Cedar Ave, Lakeville, MN 55044 800-493-6021

Discover the key difference between being busy and being truly productive in your manufacturing or shop business—essential for entrepreneurs aiming to scale efficiently. In this episode of Talkin' Shop, host Brandon Bombardo and guest Nick Peters dive deep into why wearing "busy" as a badge of honor often hinders real progress, and how shifting to focused, measurable efforts can transform your operations.

We break down real-world examples from shops struggling with constant firefighting, redundant tasks, and inefficiencies like manual cutting that lead to recuts and wasted time. Learn how integrating CNC automation, such as ShopSabre machines with nesting software and automatic tool changers, frees up your team for high-value work, reduces lead times, and boosts output by up to 15% without adding staff. We discuss identifying productivity leaks through time tracking, workflow mapping, and prioritizing impact over urgency, plus mindset shifts for leaders to foster accountability and sustainable growth.

Whether you're in woodworking, metal fabrication, or any CNC-driven industry, these strategies help you work smarter—not harder—measuring success by outcomes like happier customers, higher margins, and the ability to leave at 5 PM feeling accomplished. From Amazon's automation tactics to small shop success stories, get actionable insights to outsmart inefficiencies and build a thriving business.

Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro to Talkin' Shop & Episode Topic 00:55 - Fun Banter: ShopSabre Chili Contest 05:20 - Viewer Questions & Comments 10:00 - Defining Busy vs Productive 14:00 - Shop Examples: CNC Efficiency Gains 20:00 - Spotting Productivity Leaks & Fixes 28:00 - Leadership Mindset for Growth 35:00 - CNC Automation: Key to Scaling

#CNC #Productivity #BusinessGrowth #ShopManagement #Manufacturing #Automation #Entrepreneur #SmallBusiness #Woodworking #MetalFabrication #ShopSabre #TalkinShop #SuccessTips #Efficiency #cncmachineshop

Check out all of our equipment at https://www.shopsabre.com/

Follow us for daily CNC content Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopsabre Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopsabre Twitter/X: https://x.com/ShopSabreCNC TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shopsabre LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shopsabre-cnc/

Like and Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more CNC router and CNC plasma cutting machine tutorials, DIY project builds, and more. We feature cutting in different materials such as wood, plastic, aluminum, and other various steels.

For over 20 years, ShopSabre CNC has provided businesses and hobbyists with the best CNC machines at the best value. By focusing on unbeatable customer service and high-quality products built in the USA, we've grown from a single machine built at home to one of the most trusted CNC machine manufacturers in the country.

Since building our first machine two decades ago, we now have over 10,000 CNC routers, plasma, and laser engraving machines in a wide variety of industries in over 40 countries. Our success is a result of our commitment to developing a better way to build CNC machines and support our customers.

ShopSabre CNC www.ShopSabre.com 21673 Cedar Ave, Lakeville, MN 55044 800-493-6021

In this episode of Talkin' Shop, Brandon and Nick tackle a critical decision for shop growth: financing new CNC equipment versus paying with cash. Discover why using cash reserves might be slowing you down and how strategic leveraging can protect your cash flow and scale your business faster in 2025 and beyond.

Brandon argues that financing a productive asset, like a CNC machine, should be viewed as a growth tool, not just debt. He compares it to hiring an employee—you wouldn't pay their entire year's salary upfront, so why deplete your capital on a machine that generates revenue?. The discussion covers how waiting to pay cash can lead to missed opportunities, lost revenue streams, and falling behind competitors. Preserving your working capital allows you to cover unexpected expenses, materials, and labor, while the machine pays for itself through increased efficiency and margins.

Later, the hosts answer audience questions, including the best laser table for a beginner (like the 2kW single-phase fiber laser) , which CNC router to start with for a cabinetry business (the RC or Pro Series) , and technical questions about ball screw systems. Learn how investing in American-made CNC technology from Lakeville, Minnesota, can be the most strategic decision for your shop's ROI

What's your take on financing vs. cash? Let us know in the comments! And be sure to Like, Subscribe, and hit the bell so you never miss an episode of Talkin' Shop.

[00:00] - Intro: Financing vs. Cash Flow [04:28] - The "Hiring an Employee" Analogy [05:26] - Answering Customer Questions [05:58] - Q: Best CNC Laser for a Beginner? [07:50] - Q: Best CNC Router for Cabinetry? [12:32] - Main Topic: Why Cash Flow Isn't Always King [17:11] - Financing as a Growth Tool, Not Debt [26:00] - Why Customers Say "I Should Have Done This Sooner

#TalkinShop #ShopSabre #CNC #Financing #BusinessGrowth #CashFlow #CNCmachine #Manufacturing #Automation #CNCRouter #CNCLaser #AmericanMade #SmallBusiness #Section179 #madeinusa

Check out all of our equipment at https://www.shopsabre.com/

Follow us for daily CNC content Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopsabre Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopsabre Twitter/X: https://x.com/ShopSabreCNC TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shopsabre LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shopsabre-cnc/

Like and Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more CNC router and CNC plasma cutting machine tutorials, DIY project builds, and more. We feature cutting in different materials such as wood, plastic, aluminum, and other various steels.

For over 20 years, ShopSabre CNC has provided businesses and hobbyists with the best CNC machines at the best value. By focusing on unbeatable customer service and high-quality products built in the USA, we've grown from a single machine built at home to one of the most trusted CNC machine manufacturers in the country.

Since building our first machine two decades ago, we now have over 10,000 CNC routers, plasma, and laser engraving machines in a wide variety of industries in over 40 countries. Our success is a result of our commitment to developing a better way to build CNC machines and support our customers.

ShopSabre CNC www.ShopSabre.com 21673 Cedar Ave, Lakeville, MN 55044 800-493-6021

What is the true definition of success? In this episode of Talkin Shop, Brandon and Nick Peters provide a realistic blueprint for how to build a successful business that not only survives but thrives. They challenge the "one-size-fits-all" definition of success and explore the essential mindsets and strategies you need to win.

Learn about the three core mindsets of successful entrepreneurs: resilience, adaptability, and long-term focus. Discover the "VIP" (Value, Insight, Process) framework for building a reliable business, and why execution is the key to turning ideas into reality. Brandon and Nick use powerful examples from Walt Disney, Henry Ford, Blockbuster vs. Netflix, and Steve Jobs to illustrate how to build a strong brand, earn your reputation, and learn from failure.

This episode is packed with actionable advice for small business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to grow.

Timestamps (Episode Chapters) 0:00 - How to Build a Business That Succeeds 03:31 - Customer Questions 08:06 - Main Topic: You Must Define Your Own Success 13:55 - The 3 Mindsets of Winners (Resilience, Adaptability, Focus) 19:20 - The "VIP" Framework: Value, Insight, Process 22:54 - Why Execution is More Important Than Ideas 30:54 - Building a Team & Brand Reputation 39:01 - Using Failure to Grow (Fail Forward) 46:43 - Motivational Quote of the Week

#Business #Entrepreneurship #Success #BusinessTips #SmallBusiness #Mindset #Motivation #Leadership #BusinessStrategy #Manufacturing #Entrepreneur #Podcast #ShopSabre #TalkinShop #LakevilleMN

Follow us for daily CNC content Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopsabre Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopsabre Twitter/X: https://x.com/ShopSabreCNC TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shopsabre LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shopsabre-cnc/

Like and Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more CNC router and CNC plasma cutting machine tutorials, DIY project builds, and more. We feature cutting in different materials such as wood, plastic, aluminum, and other various steels.

For over 20 years, ShopSabre CNC has provided businesses and hobbyists with the best CNC machines at the best value. By focusing on unbeatable customer service and high-quality products built in the USA, we've grown from a single machine built at home to one of the most trusted CNC machine manufacturers in the country.

Since building our first machine two decades ago, we now have over 10,000 CNC routers, plasma, and laser engraving machines in a wide variety of industries in over 40 countries. Our success is a result of our commitment to developing a better way to build CNC machines and support our customers.

ShopSabre CNC www.ShopSabre.com 21673 Cedar Ave, Lakeville, MN 55044 800-493-6021

Are you a CNC shop owner or fabricator striving for more precision, greater output, and increased revenue? In this insightful episode of "Talkin' Shop with ShopSabre" [00:08], hosts Brandon Bombardo and Nick Peters dive deep into the philosophy that mastery is built, not bought. This isn't about quick wins; it's about refining your craft and taking deliberate steps towards sustainable growth. Discover why investing in continuous improvement—from your people and processes to your products—is the cornerstone of long-term success.

Many businesses make the mistake of believing that growth will happen automatically or that simply acquiring new equipment is enough. Brandon and Nick challenge this notion, emphasizing that even with the best machinery (like ShopSabre's advanced CNC routers, plasma cutters, and lasers), true potential is unlocked through discipline, repetition, and refinement [00:25]. Learn why shops that consistently grow are those that never stop learning, never stop improving, and never settle for "good enough." The discussion highlights the critical difference between being "good enough" and achieving true excellence, much like the commitment to quality seen in industry leaders [03:00].

The conversation extends to the importance of efficient processes and embracing technological advancements. Nick shares personal anecdotes about the challenges of working from home and the value of proper team collaboration, underscoring how clarity in purpose (the "why" behind tasks) empowers employees to contribute more effectively [08:00]. The episode also touches on practical business strategies, such as revisiting old designs and pricing structures to reflect true value and the continuous effort to deliver exceptional customer experiences [09:00]. Ultimately, this video encourages viewers to embrace mistakes as learning opportunities, prioritize consistent small improvements over flashy shortcuts, and leverage quality tools and support to refine their craft, leading to noticeable and lasting results.

Check out all of our equipment at https://www.shopsabre.com/

Follow us for daily CNC content Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopsabre Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopsabre Twitter/X: https://x.com/ShopSabreCNC TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shopsabre LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shopsabre-cnc/

Like and Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more CNC router and CNC plasma cutting machine tutorials, DIY project builds, and more. We feature cutting in different materials such as wood, plastic, aluminum, and other various steels.

For over 20 years, ShopSabre CNC has provided businesses and hobbyists with the best CNC machines at the best value. By focusing on unbeatable customer service and high-quality products built in the USA, we've grown from a single machine built at home to one of the most trusted CNC machine manufacturers in the country.

Since building our first machine two decades ago, we now have over 10,000 CNC routers, plasma, and laser engraving machines in a wide variety of industries in over 40 countries. Our success is a result of our commitment to developing a better way to build CNC machines and support our customers.

ShopSabre CNC www.ShopSabre.com 21673 Cedar Ave, Lakeville, MN 55044 800-493-6021

In this episode of Talkin' Shop, we're tackling a topic every entrepreneur knows all too well: the haters and doubters. We'll break down why negativity can feel so powerful and, more importantly, how to shift your focus to what truly matters – your supporters. We'll discuss practical strategies for dealing with online trolls and turning criticism into motivation. After all, haters don't pay the bills, your fans do!

Chapters (0:00) Intro & Opening Customer Questions / Comments: (5:20) Question 1 (6:05) Question 2 (7:05) Question 3 (11:12) Bonus Comment (15:37) Main Topic (31:38) Closing Thoughts (42:07) Outro

#BusinessPodcast #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #HatersGonnaHate #PositiveMindset

Check out all of our equipment at https://www.shopsabre.com/

Follow us for daily CNC content Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopsabre Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopsabre Twitter/X: https://x.com/ShopSabreCNC TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shopsabre LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shopsabre-cnc/

Like and Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more CNC router and CNC plasma cutting machine tutorials, DIY project builds, and more. We feature cutting in different materials such as wood, plastic, aluminum, and other various steels.

For over 20 years, ShopSabre CNC has provided businesses and hobbyists with the best CNC machines at the best value. By focusing on unbeatable customer service and high-quality products built in the USA, we've grown from a single machine built at home to one of the most trusted CNC machine manufacturers in the country.

Since building our first machine two decades ago, we now have over 10,000 CNC routers, plasma, and laser engraving machines in a wide variety of industries in over 40 countries. Our success is a result of our commitment to developing a better way to build CNC machines and support our customers.

ShopSabre CNC www.ShopSabre.com 21673 Cedar Ave, Lakeville, MN 55044 800-493-6021

Unlock the true power of "American Made" with Brandon and Nick on Talkin Shop with ShopSabre! This episode goes beyond the surface to reveal how choosing American-made products drives business success, enhances quality control, and strengthens the economy. Avoid the hidden costs of imports and understand why investing locally is a smart move for long-term reliability and growth.

Topics Covered: The misconception of "American Made" as just a label [01:50] How supporting domestic manufacturing strengthens your local economy [30:57] The advantages of higher quality control and consistent manufacturing standards in the USA [36:26] The importance of accessible technical support and parts availability [37:07] The long-term costs and risks associated with imported products [38:00] Making informed purchasing decisions that benefit your business's future [38:51] #AmericanMade #CNC #Manufacturing #MadeInUSA #ShopSabre

Chapters (0:00) Intro (2:58) Open Customer Questions / Comments: (6:34) Question 1 (7:07) Question 2 (9:58) Question 3 (13:12) Main Topic (37:05) Outro Check out all of our equipment at https://www.shopsabre.com/

Follow us for daily CNC content Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopsabre Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopsabre Twitter/X: https://x.com/ShopSabreCNC TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shopsabre LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shopsabre-cnc/

Like and Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more CNC router and CNC plasma cutting machine tutorials, DIY project builds, and more. We feature cutting in different materials such as wood, plastic, aluminum, and other various steels.

For over 20 years, ShopSabre CNC has provided businesses and hobbyists with the best CNC machines at the best value. By focusing on unbeatable customer service and high-quality products built in the USA, we've grown from a single machine built at home to one of the most trusted CNC machine manufacturers in the country.

Since building our first machine two decades ago, we now have over 10,000 CNC routers, plasma, and laser engraving machines in a wide variety of industries in over 40 countries. Our success is a result of our commitment to developing a better way to build CNC machines and support our customers.

ShopSabre CNC www.ShopSabre.com 21673 Cedar Ave, Lakeville, MN 55044 800-493-6021

In this insightful episode of Talkin' Shop, hosts Brandon Bombardo and Nick Peters dive deep into the critical topic of 'Perception vs. Reality in Business'. Discover why trusting your process is the ultimate protection for your business, especially in a world where opinions often spread faster than facts. Learn about the 'Dunning-Kruger effect' through a memorable real-life example and understand its implications for your team and customers. This discussion emphasizes the importance of educating rather than debating, focusing on consistency, and letting proven results speak louder than noise. Whether you're a shop owner, leader, or maker, gain valuable insights on how to combat misinformation and build lasting success by sticking to the truth and the reliability of your product. #BusinessStrategy #PerceptionVsReality #DunningKrugerEffect #BusinessGrowth

Chapters (0:00) Intro (2:58) Open Customer Questions / Comments: (9:19) Question 1 (10:36) Question 2 (13:20) Question 3 (15:48) Main Topic (39:05) Outro

Check out all of our equipment at https://www.shopsabre.com/

Follow us for daily CNC content Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopsabre Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopsabre Twitter/X: https://x.com/ShopSabreCNC TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shopsabre LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shopsabre-cnc/

Like and Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more CNC router and CNC plasma cutting machine tutorials, DIY project builds, and more. We feature cutting in different materials such as wood, plastic, aluminum, and other various steels.

For over 20 years, ShopSabre CNC has provided businesses and hobbyists with the best CNC machines at the best value. By focusing on unbeatable customer service and high-quality products built in the USA, we've grown from a single machine built at home to one of the most trusted CNC machine manufacturers in the country.

Since building our first machine two decades ago, we now have over 5,100 CNC routers, plasma, and laser engraving machines in a wide variety of industries in over 30 countries. Our success is a result of our commitment to developing a better way to build CNC machines and support our customers.

ShopSabre CNC www.ShopSabre.com 21673 Cedar Ave, Lakeville, MN 55044 800-493-6021

Today, we're diving into a topic that's on everyone's mind right now: uncertainty. The world is unpredictable — supply chains, costs, customer demand — and waiting until problems hit is no longer an option.

That's why forward-thinking CNC shops are turning to AI and predictive tools to stay ahead. Don't worry, this isn't about replacing people with robots — it's about giving your shop better visibility, smarter planning, and a competitive edge.

Chapters (0:00) Intro (2:24) Open Customer Questions / Comments: (4:14) Question 1 (5:42) Question 2 (6:59) Question 3 (9:00) Main Topic: The Pressure of the Day-to-Day (35:00) Outro

Check out all of our equipment at https://www.shopsabre.com/

Follow us for daily CNC content Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopsabre Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopsabre Twitter/X: https://x.com/ShopSabreCNC TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shopsabre LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shopsabre-cnc/

Like and Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more CNC router and CNC plasma cutting machine tutorials, DIY project builds, and more. We feature cutting in different materials such as wood, plastic, aluminum, and other various steels.

For over 20 years, ShopSabre CNC has provided businesses and hobbyists with the best CNC machines at the best value. By focusing on unbeatable customer service and high-quality products built in the USA, we've grown from a single machine built at home to one of the most trusted CNC machine manufacturers in the country.

Since building our first machine two decades ago, we now have over 5,100 CNC routers, plasma, and laser engraving machines in a wide variety of industries in over 30 countries. Our success is a result of our commitment to developing a better way to build CNC machines and support our customers.

ShopSabre CNC www.ShopSabre.com 21673 Cedar Ave, Lakeville, MN 55044 800-493-6021

Today I wanna step back away from the machines and the numbers and the stress and talk about something a little bit bigger and that's running a business, managing a shop, or even just working in the industry. It's not always easy, but here's the truth, it's not that bad. When you actually zoom out it's a ride that's worth enjoying.

Chapters (0:00) Intro (2:30) Open Customer Questions / Comments: (4:55) What is the thickest the Fiber Laser can cut? (7:34) I will say, I've talked to your tech on my 23 and they are great – I will say other products I would have purchased onsite. (8:41) I think onsite support is the purpose of making sure the machine is working properly. I truly believe that I can talk or zoom anyone through operating their machine. (10:24) Main Topic: The Pressure of the Day-to-Day (34:45) Outro

Check out all of our equipment at https://www.shopsabre.com/

Follow us for daily CNC content Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopsabre Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopsabre Twitter/X: https://x.com/ShopSabreCNC TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shopsabre LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shopsabre-cnc/

Like and Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more CNC router and CNC plasma cutting machine tutorials, DIY project builds, and more. We feature cutting in different materials such as wood, plastic, aluminum, and other various steels.

For over 20 years, ShopSabre CNC has provided businesses and hobbyists with the best CNC machines at the best value. By focusing on unbeatable customer service and high-quality products built in the USA, we've grown from a single machine built at home to one of the most trusted CNC machine manufacturers in the country.

Since building our first machine two decades ago, we now have over 5,100 CNC routers, plasma, and laser engraving machines in a wide variety of industries in over 30 countries. Our success is a result of our commitment to developing a better way to build CNC machines and support our customers.

ShopSabre CNC www.ShopSabre.com 21673 Cedar Ave, Lakeville, MN 55044 800-493-6021