Recorded live on-site at FABTECH 2024, this special episode of The Manufacturing Culture Podcast features Matthew and Lindsay Nix, the dynamic duo behind the transformation of Nix Companies, a fifth-generation family business that has grown into a culture-first manufacturing powerhouse. Host Jim Mayer dives into their remarkable journey—from $5 Saturdays in the shop to 100X revenue growth—unpacking the intentional leadership, deep-rooted values, and community-driven mission that fuel their success.

They share candid insights on building a scalable company culture, launching a franchise model to empower other owner-operators, and balancing legacy with innovation. If you care about what it feels like to work in manufacturing—and how to make that feeling matter—this episode delivers.

• Culture is the Vibe Inside: It’s more than words on a wall—it’s how it feels when you walk into the shop. And that feeling is built with intentionality, consistency, and values-driven leadership.
• From Family to Force: Nix Companies grew from four family members to over 200 employees, proving that small-town roots and big-time vision can coexist.
• Hiring with Intention Changes Everything: Drawing a line in the sand on who they hire—and why—transformed their business and laid the foundation for a thriving culture.
• Mission, Vision & Values Should Evolve: But they must always be authentic and come from the top—then be reinforced through every level of the organization.
• Women in Manufacturing: Lindsay’s journey from accounting to sales to external relations shows how women can lead, influence, and thrive in male-dominated spaces.
• Franchising a Fabrication Model: Nix Companies is pioneering a franchise model in manufacturing to support owner-operators with playbooks, back-end systems, and cultural integration.
• Community Is Part of the Business Plan: From local schools to Junior Achievement, giving back is not a PR move—it’s who they are.

• 00:00 The Evolution of Nix Company
• 02:51 Building a Strong Company Culture
• 05:51 The Role of Family in Business
• 09:00 Defining Corporate Culture
• 12:11 Personal Journeys and Career Aspirations
• 20:48 Evolving Mission, Vision, and Values
• 23:18 The Formation of Nick's Companies
• 26:13 Integrating Culture Across Business Units
• 31:17 Balancing Tradition and Innovation
• 33:59 Community Engagement and Educational Initiatives
• 35:46 Future Aspirations and Franchise Model