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Hosted by jason zenger
How does a successful business owner rebuild his life after waking up from a 10-day coma to discover he's lost his fingers, toes, and needs a new heart?In this powerful episode of Life in Transition, host Art Blanchford sits down with Jason Zenger, who shares his extraordinary journey of survival and transformation following a devastating widowmaker heart attack in December 2023. Despite being health-conscious and physically active, Jason's life changed dramatically when he suffered cardiac arrest, leading to a heart transplant and the loss of parts of his fingers and toes due to necrosis. Through his story, Jason reveals how his experience reshaped his perspective on leadership, family, and faith.As Jason navigates his ongoing recovery, he discusses the profound impact on his role as a business owner, husband, and father of three young boys. Our conversation delves into themes of acceptance, resilience, and finding new purpose, particularly through his transition from active company president to a more advisory role. This episode highlights the transformative power of community support, especially in his new home in Tennessee, and how his near-death experience deepened his faith and appreciation for life's simple gifts. Through music, faith, and family, Jason demonstrates how crisis can become a catalyst for meaningful personal growth.About Our Guest:Jason Zenger is a dynamic entrepreneur, podcast host, and business leader based in Tennessee. As the owner of Zenger's Industrial Supply and co-owner with his wife of Black Industrial Safety Supply, he brings decades of manufacturing industry expertise to his work. Since 2014, he has hosted the Making Chips podcast, pioneering manufacturing industry content in the podcasting space. A dedicated family man and person of faith, Jason experienced a life-altering widowmaker heart attack in 2023, which has led him to refocus his energy on family, faith, and helping others through sharing his story of survival and transformation.Connect with Jason:Jason Zenger LinkedInMaking Chips PodcastZengersAbout The Show: The Life in Transition, hosted by Art Blanchford focuses on making the most of the changes we're given every week. Art has been through hundreds of transitions in his life. Many have been difficult, but all have led to a depth and richness he could never have imagined. On the podcast Art explores how to create more love and joy in life, no matter what transitions we go through. Art is married to his lifelong partner, a proud father of three and a long-time adventurer and global business executive. He is the founder and leader of the Midlife Transition Mastery Community. Learn more about the MLTM Community here: www.lifeintransition.online.In This Episode: (00:00) The Widowmaker Attack: Initial Crisis(01:26) Major Transition: Life Before the Heart Attack(03:14) The Night Everything Changed(05:41) Fighting for Life: Medical Interventions(11:04) ICU Delirium: Dreams and Reality(16:22) Midlife Transition Mastery Ad(17:21) One Year Later: Loss and Gratitude(21:18) Learning to Accept New Limitations(26:06) Processing Trauma and Emotions(31:14) Music as a Healing Force(39:00) Transition Mastery Coaching Ad(40:00) Finding Purpose Through Suffering(44:20) Business Transition Plans: Zengers President to Owner(53:50) The Power of Community in Tennessee(57:06) Personal Growth Through Crisis(1:01:47) Closing Thoughts and Contact InformationSend us your comments, like and subscribe to hear all of our future episodes!Resources:Email Art BlanchfordLife in Transition WebsiteLife in Transition on IGLife in Transition on FBJoin Our Community: art-blanchford.mykajabi.com/mid-life-transition-mastery-communityMy new book "PURPOSEFUL LIVING" is out now. Order it now: https://a.co/d/cJKOpo6Explore our website https://lifeintransitionpodcast.com/ for more in-depth information and resources, and to download the 8-step guide to mastering mid-life transitions.The views and opinions expressed on the “Life In Transition” podcast are solely those of the author and guests and should not be attributed to any other individual or entity. This podcast is an independent production of Life In Transition Podcast, and the podcast production is an original work of the author. All rights of ownership and reproduction are retained—copyright 2025.
After nearly a decade of shaping MakingChips—spending close to 25% of his life on this journey—Jason Zenger is saying goodbye to the podcast that transformed the manufacturing space. As one of the original trailblazers, Jason helped create a platform that built community, sparked essential conversations, and made manufacturing more approachable as a career. His vision and dedication inspired others to start their own podcasts, like Paul's “Machine Shop Mastery.” Jason's legacy isn't just MakingChips. It's the relationships, the #MetalworkingNation community, and the countless leaders who've been equipped and inspired along the way. As Jason transitions to his next adventure—launching his podcast “Workmen of the Word” and writing his book, “Lead Like It's Your Last Day”—he reflects on the power of community, education, and learning to prioritize what truly matters. Join us as we celebrate Jason's contributions, reflect on the journey, and look ahead to the next chapter for him and MakingChips. Segments [0:21] Use Paperless Parts to solve bottleneck problems [1:46] Why is this Jason's last episode of MakingChips? [8:10] How podcasting made education more accessible [13:19] The challenges that come with running a family business [17:18] Achieve 95% on-time delivery with ProShop ERP [18:45] The far-reaching impact of MakingChips [23:44] Jason's final takeaway from 10 years of MakingChips [28:32] How to stay connected with Jason [28:58] Learn more about Jason's upcoming podcast and book [32:21] Why MakingChips is launching Hire MFG Leaders [36:09] Check out the MakingSparks podcast! Resources mentioned on this episode Matthew Nix's family business Jason's website Paperless Parts ProShop ERP MakingSparks Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube
In the final segment of the first edition of At The Boring Bar, our expert panel of guests return to dive into the future of manufacturing and why manufacturing leaders need to embrace technology. They discuss the application of 3D printing and additive manufacturing and how they can be used to attract the next generation. Jason Zenger, Nick Goellner, Mike Payne, Paul Van Metre, Peter Eelman, Nicole Wolter, Chris Luecke, and Manny Pasillas also take a look at the challenges the national security and defense industry are facing because of a lack of partnerships. We believe hosting round-table discussions of these important issues can help move the manufacturing industry toward a solution. Don't miss this conversation. Segments [0:25] Learn about IMTS 2024 ELEVATE programs [2:28] The application of 3D printing [13:34] 3D printing a car at IMTS [15:21] Why we need to embrace emerging technology [16:30] Listen to the Manufacturing Transformed podcast! [17:57] National security and the defense industry [19:40] Attracting the next generation to manufacturing Resources mentioned on this episode Learn about IMTS 2024 ELEVATE programs Listen to the Manufacturing Transformed podcast! Keselowski Advanced Manufacturing BlueForge Alliance Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube
How do you grow a machine shop through acquisitions? What is it like working in a legacy family business? How do you find and hire talented engineers? Where does AI fit into the daily grind? These are all questions that this team of industry experts and friends seek to answer over a glass of bourbon At the Boring Bar. Jason Zenger, Nick Goellner, Mike Payne, Paul Van Metre, Peter Eelman, Nicole Wolter, Chris Luecke, and Manny Pasillas share their unique perspectives on the manufacturing industry—and how it must adapt—in part II. Check it out! Segments [0:37] Manage your cutting tools with ProShop ERP [2:25] Embodying entrepreneurial spirit [7:02] Carrying on a family business [12:15] Overcoming the fear of technology [19:34] NetSuite: The CFO's Guide to AI and Machine Learning [20:35] Shifting the conversation to AI [38:09] Gamifying adaption of new technology Resources mentioned on this episode ProShop ERP NetSuite: The CFO's Guide to AI and Machine Learning CNC Expert Peter Eelman Manny Pasillas Nicole Wolter Chris Luecke Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube
Some of the greatest ideas in manufacturing don't happen in boardrooms but over a drink with peers. In At the Boring Bar, Jason aims to cut deeper into the conversations that matter most to manufacturing leaders. So pull up a chair, grab a drink, and join Jason as he uncovers the insights that drive the manufacturing industry forward. In this inaugural episode of At the Boring Bar, join Jason, Nick Goellner, Mike Payne, Paul Van Metre, Peter Eelman, Nicole Wolter, Chris Luecke, and Manny Pasillas At the Boring Bar. They cover everything from the exciting new exhibits at IMTS to one of the biggest problems the manufacturing industry faces: a mass exodus of Baby Boomers. You'll laugh, you may cry, and you'll undoubtedly hear something that will provoke you to think about the future of the industry and your impact on it. Don't miss it. Segments [0:20] Learn about IMTS 2024 ELEVATE [2:51] Why Jason is taped to a mannequin [3:47] Learn more about “At the Boring Bar” [6:12] The evolution and legacy of IMTS [13:06] What we're looking forward to at IMTS [22:29] Listen to the Manufacturing Transformed podcast! [27:36] Throwback to IMTS 1980 [29:05] What Peter will miss about IMTS [34:43] The mass exodus of Baby Boomers Resources mentioned on this episode IMTS 2024 ELEVATE Expomaq The Manufacturing Transformed podcast Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube
On December 7th, 2023, Jason had a heart attack, the type well-known as the “widow-maker.” Miraculously, Jason survived. Then he survived a heart transplant. January 19th, 2024, he went home. Jason beat the odds. In this episode of MakingChips, we'll share Jason's miraculous story. We'll also share some of the lessons we've learned throughout the last couple of months. Be ready to be awe-struck. – Nick Segments [0:18] IMTS 2024 [2:01] Miracle #1: Making it to the hospital [8:35] Miracle #2: Getting a heart transplant [12:01] Miracle #3: Being near the right hospital [14:41] Miracle #4: Hearing Jason on the phone [21:22] Netsuite by Oracle KPI Checklist [24:16] Takeaway #1: Focus on your health [26:59] Takeaway #2: Create an estate plan [29:23] Takeaway #3: Build a team you can trust [32:19] Takeaway #4: Don't take anything for granted Resources mentioned on this episode Jason's CaringBridge page Netsuite by Oracle KPI Checklist IMTS 2024 Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube
In this special Bonus Chips episode of MakingChips, we're guests on Chris Luecke's podcast, Manufacturing Happy Hour. Of all the manufacturing podcasts, we both double down on leadership topics. So in this episode, we seek to tackle one question: What does it mean to be a manufacturing leader? Tune in to hear what it takes to lead. Because if you're not leading your team, they won't be making chips, and if they're not making chips, you're not making money. BAM! – Nick Segments [1:47] How we'd describe the MakingChips podcast [7:15] What listeners can expect from MakingChips [10:42] How you know it's time to evolve [14:31] The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop [15:09] How creating content serves our businesses [20:43] What does it mean to be a manufacturing leader? Resources mentioned on this episode Manufacturing Happy Hour The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop Chris Luecke on LinkedIn Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube
It's time for two manufacturing podcasts to collide! On this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we're delighted to speak to Nick Goellner and Jason Zenger, hosts of the fantastic MakingChips podcast. Nick and Jason discuss their route into making the podcast, how it's grown and evolved over the years and the attributes that make a true manufacturing leader. In this episode, find out: About creating MakingChips How the podcast has evolved Knowing when content needs to evolve How MakingChips set out to equip and inspire What makes a great manufacturing leader How their content can help manufacturing leaders The importance of developing relationships Why manufacturing leaders should self-assess How content serves businesses Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It's feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! Tweetable Quotes: “If you're a manufacturing leader, you should be equipping, you should be inspiring and you should be building relationships.” – Jason Zenger, Host of the MakingChips podcast “A manufacturing leader needs to know how to develop relationships with clients and partners.” – Jason Zenger, Host of the MakingChips podcast “It's important for us to contribute to the community and the industry at large.” – Nick Goellner, Host of the MakingChips podcast Links & mentions: MakingChips website Connect with Nick Goellner on LinkedIn Connect with Jason Zenger on LinkedIn Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.
In this week's episode of MakingChips, hosts Jim Carr and Jason Zenger bring in Federico Sciammarella, the President & CTO of MxD, to discuss the basics of cybersecurity, including the types of cyber attacks, and how a manufacturing leader can equip their shop with a strategic plan to prevent and deal with potential cyber threats. Segments 0:08 | Amper Technologies pilot program for machine monitoring 1:21 | Jason introduces manufacturing cybersecurity as the topic of the episode 4:57 | Jim and Jason talk about what's new at their businesses 5:28 | Jason introduces the episode guest: Federico Sciammarella, the President & CTO of MxD 6:52 | Jason discusses manufacturing news, including a press release on the FBI's internet crime report 10:17 | Jason explains Business Email Compromise, a type of phishing attack 12:21 | The hosts mention another type of cyber attack, Ransomware 13:52 | Jason mentions Malware attacks due to malicious software and brute force attacks 15:44 | The hosts and Federico discuss how to avoid and prevent coming under cyber attack 17:40 | ProShop ERP is being used in shops across the country 20:46 | Federico shares advice on how to avoid ransomware and how to prepare your business for potential cyber attacks 25:31 | Federico explains how MxD helps strengthen cybersecurity in the manufacturing industry 30:18 | Jason asks what a manufacturing leader can do to create a strategic plan to prevent cyber attacks 34:16 | The hosts share their thoughts on the new information they learned during the episode
In this episode of MakingChips, hosts Jim Carr and Jason Zenger meet with Paul Van Metre of ProShop ERP to discuss 10 things to consider when going through the process of getting AS9100 certified. Segments: 0:13 | Jim talks about his time using Amper Technologies machine monitoring systems under their pilot program 2:27 | Jim shares manufacturing news about past experiences with IMTS Rockstars and the current boom in manufacturing 4:24 | Jason mentions his 2021 sabbatical and how it's okay to take a break from work 6:04 | Jim introduces the topic of the episode and offers questions you can ask yourself to decide if AS9100 certification is needed 8:58 | Jason introduces this week's guest: Paul Van Metre of ProShop ERP 10:45 | Paul talks about his time at his former company implementing AS9100 features into ProShop ERP 12:30 | Jason asks if a cutting tool distributor would benefit from being AS9100 certified 25:10 | Paul shares how ProShop ERP can help you build your process for getting AS9100 certified
In this episode of MakingChips, hosts Jim Carr and Jason Zenger talk with Peter Eelman, Vice President and Chief Experience Officer of AMT, about IMTS 2022, the return of their in-person trade show, and what's in store for the future of IMTS events. Segments:0:08 | Jim talks about his time with the Amper Technologies pilot program for machine monitoring systems 1:27 | Jim and Jason introduce the episode and their past experiences with IMTS events 8:00 | Jason shares manufacturing news regarding Xometry's move to the public market 10:16 | Jim introduces their guest Peter Eelman from AMT to discuss the history and return of IMTS 16:54 | Peter talks about the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on IMTS, and how they were able to adapt to the situation 20:33 | Jim asks Peter about the future of IMTS, as both physical and virtual events 23:21 | Peter explains the scale of IMTS, and its effect on the industry and the Chicago area 26:57 | Peter describes what's next for IMTS, with the return of the physical event in 2022 30:20 | Jim asks about the future of automation in manufacturing, and how IMTS 2022 will feature it 34:52 | Peter explains how IMTS participants can prepare for the 2022 event and connect with other manufacturers through their website 38:30 | Jim talks about the upcoming Fanuc & Mitutoyo demonstration from CNC Machine Services Inc, and how you can register for the free event
MakingChips hosts Jim Carr and Jason Zenger sit down with Akshat Thirani, the CEO and Co-founder of Amper Technologies, Inc., and Charles Morley, the President of Schleifring Medical Systems, to talk about how Charles implemented Amper technology in his shop, and the benefits it has had on his business. Segments: 0:21 Nick talks about how he sees ProShop ERP being used in shops throughout the country. 4:24 Jim and Jason share what's new at their companies and at MakingChips HQ 6:06 Jason discusses new economic inflation data relating to manufacturing 7:50 Jason introduces Akshat Thirani, CEO and Co-founder of Amper Technologies, Inc., and his history in manufacturing 9:20 Jim introduces Charles Morley, the President of Schleifring Medical Systems, and his relation to Amper Technologies, Inc. 11:27 Akshat explains how Amper helps manufacturers be more Lean and improve day-to-day operations on the shop floor 13:17 Jim talks about his experience using Amper technology on his machines 15:53 Charles shares his background with Amper and how he implements and monitors their technology in his factory 18:57 Nick explains how you can source high-volume projects through the Xometry network 19:49 Charles discusses how Amper allows for collection of real, trackable efficiency data and can help increase productivity 23:26 Akshat talks about the simplicity of integrating Amper on the shop floor 24:45 Akshat explains the different ways the data provided by Amper can assist in company growth 26:58 Jim mentions that he shows off his shop's Amper data while prospecting new customers 28:32 Charles shares why he chose Amper over other machine monitoring options 31:30 Charles explains how Amper technology relates to his shop's Lean process 33:52 Akshat talks about how Amper offers a trial program for their technology 36:12 The hosts and guests offer their final thoughts on how this technology can improve many aspects of a shop
Hosts Nick Goellner, Jim Carr and Jason Zenger are joined by Mark Cunningham and Kim Akimoto from CLEAR Solutions Sales Consulting to discuss the differences between product and sales management at manufacturing companies, and how strategic sales tools can lead sales teams to success. Segments: 0:06 Jim talks about how he found an easy-to-install machine monitoring system from Amper Technologies. 1:37 Nick introduces the topic of episode: Product Management vs Sales Management 3:01 The hosts discuss what’s new at their companies 4:21 Nick shares some manufacturing news about the computer chip shortage 8:53 Nick introduces the guests: Mark Cunningham and Kim Akimoto from CLEAR Solutions Sales Consulting 11:57 Mark explains his time spent in the business, and what opportunities he saw 13:44 Jason discusses the dynamic between himself and his wife in their business 14:12 Mark tells how he got connected with Nick and Hennig, Inc. and the projects that he helped them with 18:15 Nick mentions how he has seen ProShop ERP being used in shops across the USA 19:18 Mark shares how he develops electronic sales playbooks and how they can be used 22:50 Nick talks about how he restructured his sales management and business development units 26:19 Mark discusses the difference between product and sales management 28:10 Kim shares her story, from law school to a strategic sales consultant 30:26 Mark talks about how CLEAR Solutions Sales Consulting leads clients to the right solutions for their businesses through sales tools
In this episode of MakingChips, Jim Carr, Jason Zenger and Nick Goellner discuss Retirement: Yes, No or Never. This could be a step in evaluating your decision whether you are a manufacturing leader at the highlight of your career or at the beginning stages of your career with plans for greatness. Segments: 0:14 | Jim talks about Amper Technologies, machine monitoring system, easy to install with minimal onboarding 3:08 | Jim, Jason and Nick talk about retirement, how manufacturers are approaching retirement age 7:55 | The hosts announce great news that is happening on September 23, 2021. MakingChips is having a Celebration for Manufacturing Leaders. 10:42 | Nick discusses with Jim and Jason, an article from Modern Machine Shop, March machine tool orders have been the biggest growth since 2019, unit orders have also increased 15:35 | Nick, Jason and Jim mention Xometry - custom manufacturing on demand 16:42 | Retirement talk. 17:25 | The hosts discuss how to tell if you are ready for retirement and signs you are NOT read for retirement. 29:55 | What are your takeaways from this episode?
In episode of #267 MakingChips, host Jim Carr and Jason Zenger discuss Why You Need to Consider These New and Low-Cost Employee Benefits" Connect with us: www.MakingChips.com/contact Segments: :02 | Do you love your ERP? ProShop ERP. for additional details please visit: loveyourerp.com 1:30 | Jason and Jim discuss Employee Benefits, the shift in culture, how we pay benefits to our employee 5:21 | “Save the Date" Thursday, September 23rd, 2021 - Celebration of our industry and Manufacturing Leaders - a party that will Equip & Inspire @ MakingChips Headquarters in Rockford, Illinois 7:35 | Jim shares manufacturing news - Smart Manufacturing news i.e., Broad category of manufacturing that employs computer integrated manufacturing, high levels of adaptability, rapid design changes, digital information technology and more flexible / technical workforce training 10:05 | Jason and Jim talk about Amper, how Jim is utilizing Amper software (30 day trial) and how it has helped him become more efficient 12:34 | Jason and Jim talk about innovative employee benefits and why to offer those benefits. 27:23 | Jim and Jason offer their final thoughts
In episode #266 of MakingChips, host Jason Zenger and co-host Jim Carr Discuss 25 Trends Affecting the Future of Manufacturing in 2021 and Beyond. Connect with us: www.MakingChips.com/contact Segments: :22| Go to Loveyourerp.com and find out why so many manufacturing leaders love ProShop ERP 6:04 | Business Models, People, The World and Tools 6:25 | Business Models 13:56 | People 27:50 | The World 35:52 | Tools 36:32 | Check out Amper.xyz, a company that specializes in easy to install machine monitoring systems 41:50 | Final thoughts
In this week’s episode of MakingChips, Jason Zenger discusses 4 reasons to say no to an opportunity. Manufacturing leaders may need to say no more often to opportunities especially as the economy heats back up. Segments: :09 | Jim and Jason discuss how ProShop ERP helped with Jim’s AS9100 virtual audit. 3:59 | Jason and Nick discuss two manufacturing news articles: #1 - article by "CNBC " Reddit founder Alexis Ohanian on what life Serena Williams taught him about sustained greatness 7:02 | #2 manufacturing news article: by "Wall Street Journal" Turbo charge economy leaves factory struggling to deliver goods that shoppers want. 8:04 | Jason expresses the four opportunity filters to put your decisions through - #1 Does fit your vision for the future, #2 Does it meet your core values, #3 It does have a measurable ROI, #4 Is it the best option for your client? 18:55 | Jason and Nick offer their final thoughts on the episode
In this week’s episode of MakingChips, hosts Nick Goellner and Jason Zenger discuss 6 Communications Tools for the Manufacturing Leader. Segments: :57 | Nick and Jason discuss how a Manufacturer Leader can learn how to better communicate 4:39 | Nick shares Manufacturing News from an article by Jay Timmons, President and CEO of NAM (National Association for Manufacturers) regarding tax reform and investment incentives for manufacturers 12:25 | Jason recommends the book "Crucial Conversations" 15:43 | Jason talks people, culture, numbers and ProShop ERP - Can get data in real time 16:47 | Nick shares the first tool RACI chart (Responsibility Assignment Matrix) 19:53 | Approval Drawing Review (Approval Review meeting) 23:17 | PCP Program (Premiere Channel Partner Program) 25:12 | BrandScript (StoryBrand) Help companies tell coherent stories 28:05 | PSM (Process Success Map) - Making your customers successful 30:16 | VOC Program (Voice of the Customer/Client program) 32:83 | Jason offers his final thoughts on the episode
In this week’s episode of MakingChips, host Jason Zenger and Nick Goellner discuss tips for effectively communicating to your team in the workplace Segments: :00 | Jim and Jason share how ProShop ERP helped them with the federal R&D tax credit 1:14 | Jason and Nick discuss changes in leadership at their companies 5:07 | Jason mentions article on Manufacturing predictions for the next decade 10:57 | Jason and Nick discuss cloud-based data and how moving to Edge and 6G will be faster 11:58 | Nick shares his thoughts on communicating change to team members 17:02 | Jason touches on how you can make implementing changes into a win-win situation 27:26 | Jason and Nick offer their final thoughts on the episode 29:32 | Jessica introduces Xometry’s new purchasing system: Xometry Pay
What does it mean to leave a legacy of love? Jason Zenger opens up about his leadership style, and how he commits to it and stays grounded. 00:40 – 1 year of Mindfulness Manufacturing 01:54 – Jason Zenger; President of Zenger’s and ‘Making Chips’ podcast host 03:00 – A transparent business model based on relationships 03:53 – Every great story comes from a history of struggles 04:23 – A Legacy: I want my team to know that I lead them like I loved them 05:40 – How am I going to show up for work today 06:14 – Where’s the risk? What’s the cost? 09:27 – Responsiveness and lack thereof 10:30 – Displayed by the best of the best on our team: DO-BE-GO-LIFE 12:38 – Accountability to making the tough calls 14:26 – Groom it or Hire it? 16:46 – Your actions and behaviors supersede your words when it comes to loving others 19:17 – A commitment to establishing your mindset and staying grounded 22:27 – Rebounding from setback 25:40 – What it takes to swallow that humble pill 30:00 – Learning through uncomfortable times 32:21 – Closure Contact information for Jason Zenger: linkedin.com/in/jasonzenger zengers.com (Company Website) MakingChips.com (Blog)
In this week's podcast, hosts Jason Zenger, Jim Carr, and Nick Goellner share the new leadership principles and processes they adopted during 2020 to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic, and how other manufacturing leaders can benefit by doing similar. 6:20 | The hosts share recent manufacturing news, plus Nick has his own special announcement 13:20 | Jason explains how he focused on growing his company's core values in 2020 16:15 | Jim discusses the new implementations he made at CARR this year 18:30 | Jason recounts how he increased communication between his employees 28:50 | Nick describes how his leadership team implemented new Lean practices and playbooks 33:09 | Jim shares the added business responsibilities he felt due to the COVID-19 pandemic 35:00 | Jason gives details on his experience of testing positive for COVID-19
In this week's podcast, hosts Jason Zenger, Jim Carr, and Nick Goellner invite guest Peter Eelman, Vice President & CXO at AMT to discuss how IMTS pivoted into an online digital destination for Manufacturers. Segments: Missing IMTS - Everybody gets together (2:15) Good News with Jim Carr (6:30) Manufacturing News: Smart manufacturing platform revenue to pass $32B annually by 2025 (7:04) Introducing our Guest: Peter Eelman (14:12) IMTS Spark is a digital destination for a connected manufacturing community (16:45) Peter: This is not a virtual tradeshow (21:45) Jason: The main theme of 2020 is rebuilding the supply chain (30:20) IMTS is coming back in 2022 (38:30) Why you should sign-up for IMTS spark today (40:34) What happened to IMTS 2020 swag? (44:00) Takeaways from IMTS Spark (46:10) The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe!
In this week's podcast, hosts Jason Zenger and Jim Carr invite guest Jenn Ryan, SVP of Global Network Operations at Xometry to discuss how they pivoted during COVID and how it helped them transform who they are as a business. Segments: Jim and Jason’s businesses thriving when the industry is down (1:44) Good news at Carr’s: 4th new CNC machine (6:06) Jason Discusses the Manufacturing News: Foxconn fails to meet requirements in Wisconsin (6:47) Introducing our guest: Jenn Ryan, SVP of Global Network Operations at Xometry (11:40) Check out our previous episodes 122 & 189 with Xometry Jenn: How 2020 affected my work-life balance (13:48) Jenn: Keeping the doors open during COVID shutdowns (15:23) Jenn: Changing the binary questions “What part of this job can I do?” (18:23) Jason: Why we created the Makingchips podcast (20:35) Jenn: Partner Success stories in 2020 (21:45) Jenn: If you don’t raise your hand, it’s hard for me to find you (28:10) Jenn: Think horizontally instead of vertically (31:12) Jason: Should shops go all-in on Xometry? (33:30) Jim: How can a shop like Carr’s position itself with a company like Xometry (38:00) Jason: We need more manufacturing in the US (40:00) Raising the voice of Women in manufacturing leadership (41:45) Jenn: Xometry is a Wraparound service provider (45:20) The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe!
In this week's podcast, hosts Jim Carr and Jason Zenger invite guests Paul Van Metre, Co-Founder of ProShop ERP, and Matt Gawlik, President of 3D Industries to discuss what it takes to properly implement a new ERP in a machine shop, and how it can change your culture. Segments: How the ERP revolution shifted our culture (1:47) Teasing our special guests (2:56) Putting on makeup is fun? IMTS interview (3:33) What’s new with Jason: Zengers, Black Industrial (5:00) Discussing this week’s manufacturing news (6:20) Introducing our guest: Paul Van Metre from ProShop (13:13) Introducing our other guest: Matt Gawlik, President of 3D Industries (14:10) The origin story of “3D Industries” (15:20) How Matt found ProShop (16:45) Jim: Using the wrong ERP for 20 years (19:52) Matt: Rehabilitating the company to implement the perfect ERP (20:45) Jason: What is a Pirate ship company? (27:25) Roadblocks when implementing a new ERP (28:00) ProShop features that hit the spot for Machine shops (30:45) What is your estimator doing all day now? (33:55) Matt: Extracting data from the minds of employees is a necessary safeguard (34:45) Culture Shift: Before and After ProShop (38:50) Paul: Implementing ERPs is a team commitment (43:45) The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe!
In this week's podcast, hosts Jason Zenger and Jim Carr discuss the process of building the right legacy you want to leave behind as a Manufacturing Leader. Segments: Getting morbid for a minute (0:45) Leaving a legacy after a transition (2:10) Jim compares MakingChips hosts to past music greats (3:30) Another new CNC machine at Carr Machine (5:06) Jason, the business coach? (6:27) Manufacturing News: New manufacturing facility for undersea drones (8:40) Jason: Leaving a positive legacy in the minds of others (11:51) A legacy gone wrong: Statues don’t make chips (16:30) Guiding principles towards a great legacy (19:40) Every manufacturing leader needs to think about their legacy (27:10) The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe!
In this week's podcast, hosts Jim Carr and Jason Zenger discuss old school manufacturing tips that still equip & inspire their team on the shop floor. Segments: The guys discuss this week's manufacturing news. (8:41) Solving today's shop problems with "old school" techniques: Tapping (18:10) Flatness on prints/Material Science (23:38) Using oversized materials for better accuracy (26:12) Bringing back old school collaboration (28:36) Machine tool distributors selling tooling (31:50) The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe!
This week on the MakingChips podcast, Host Nick Goellner, Jim Carr, and Jason Zenger discuss the Agile Marketing Process and how to have a marketing program in place that allows you to pivot when the time comes! Segments: The guys discuss this week's manufacturing news. (6:12) What is ProShop: (10:40) What great marketing is and what great marketing isn't. (16:05) GPCT Workshop: Goals.Plans.Challenges.Timelines.(19:10) Begin with the end in mind—start creating vision backlogs. (20:55) Keys to success: Prioritize, Protect your sprints, Pull don't push, Park. (29:45) 4 keywords for meetings: Daily stand up, Plan, Review, Reflect. (35:15) How does a marketing program work for a small job shop? (37:42) The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe!
This week's guest, Ted Ladzinski from Motor City Spindle Repair joins co-hosts Jim Carr, Jason Zenger, and Nick Goellner to discuss ways to increase your spindles’ longevity, how to know when to replace your spindle, as well as how to use short- and long-term social media strategies to generate leads. The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe! Segments: Nick shares this week's manufacturing news. (7:10) Nick introduces this week's guest Ted Ladzinski. (10:00) Ted shares his story on he got started in manufacturing. (12:56) Creating an impactful social media strategy in manufacturing. (14:18) Ted gives insight into creating a short- vs long-term strategy on social media. (21:00) Ted shares how to know when it's time to replace your spindle. (40:20) Tips to increase your spindles’ longevity. (48:15)
What exactly is EOS, and what is an L10 meeting? This week on the MakingChips podcast, co-hosts Jim Carr, Jason Zenger, and Nick Goellner share their experiences and discuss how to use the Entrepreneurial Operating System for leadership success. Segments: Jason and Nick share their thoughts on expansion. (3:33) Jim announces 'Chiptober Fest' for the MakingChips Grand Opening event. (5:45) Jim shares this week's manufacturing news: Indiana Lost nearly 8,000 Manufacturing Jobs in 2019 (6:50) Jim reads the first paragraph of Letting Go of The Vine, of the book Traction. (11:45) What is EOS? The Definition of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (12:39) Nick defines the process of kicking off your EOS (17:00) What is an L10 meeting and why is it called L10? (21:08) The structure of a Level 10 meeting: (23:46) One of the most important aspects of the L10 meeting- Rocks. (27:23) The 3rd aspect of the L10 Meeting: Client/Employee Headlines ( 30:40) What are To-Do lists? (31:40) Identify, discuss, solve: Issues List (32:27) Differentiating the types of issues that belong on the issues list. (35:07) L10 Meeting: What is a parking lot? (38:55) The guys share their success using L10 meetings for their businesses. (40:38)
Are you communicating with your team effectively? Step up your communication skills this week as Jason Zenger shares 10 effective tips to improve your communication as a leader. Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe! Segments: Jason discusses "miscommunication" (1:02) Jim shares good news about Carr Machine & Tool. (5:28) The guys discuss this week's manufacturing news. (7:44) Tip #1: How to be self aware to understand your team better. (14:30) Tip #2: Why you should assume the best in others when you communicate. (15:47) Tip #3: Have a mutual best outcome in mind while communicating. (17:01) Tip #4: Be direct and forthcoming, but be empathetic. (19:02) Tip #5: Be open with your team: Share your thoughts and ideas with your team. (20:33) Tip #6: Understand people can handle bad news better than they can handle lack of communication. (21:30) Tip #7: Be specific with what you're asking for. (22:48) Tip #8: Seek to understand your team. (27:20) Tip #9: Over-communicate. (29:54) Tip #10: Learn how others like to receive communication. (31:14)
In this episode, MakingChips hosts, Jim Carr, Jason Zenger, and Nick Goellner interview MakingChips Agency Director Jessica Peterson about what it means to have brand standards for your manufacturing business and why having a logo doesn't translate to having a brand. Segments: The guys discuss this week's manufacturing news. (5:08) The guys introduce this week's topic of Brand standards with special guest, MakingChips Marketing Director Jessica Peterson (9:00) Jessica shares the importance of brand standards and where to start. (11:16) Jessica gives insight on what should be part of your brand standards: Brand Book, Style Guide, and Media Kit (13:32) Jessica shares some core elements your brand book should include. (15:48) Jessica explains what a Media Kit is. (20:17) Jason defines what a Favicon is and how to use it properly. (25:05) The guys discuss the importance of defining your brand standards if you want to be a company that scales. (27:08) Jessica shares how a small shop can start creating their brand book. (30:40) Email Jessica at Jessica@MakingChips.com
When it comes to managing a sales team, it’s important not to confuse efforts with results. In this episode, co-host Nick Goellner draws on his experience as AME Sales & Marketing Director to discuss key sales results and metrics as they relate to manufacturing sales team management, customer service, and marketing efforts. Segments: Co-host Jim Carr discusses what is keeping him positive at work right now. (1:37) Nick gives a Boring Bar update, announcing staff changes and new employment opportunities. (2:37) Co-host Jason Zenger gives a business update and introduces the topic of journalistic integrity. (4:49) The guys discuss this week’s manufacturing news regarding U.S. manufacturing hitting a 14-month high. (8:47) The guys introduce this week’s topic of sales and the impact it has on manufacturing businesses and how sales are managed at each business Nick explains his four types of sales management: territory, account, opportunity, call; and defines sales force enablement and how it can improve a team. (16:32) Nick provides details on the types of sales meetings he uses, including the frequency, order of operations, and desired outcomes. (20:19) The guys discuss utilizing the CRM (22:20) Nick explains the difference between group vs one-on-one meetings at AME and provides details about performance criteria including: new business development, key account management, brand building. (29:33) Nick defines his expectations of what it means to be a brand builder and explains how he evaluates his sales team, including factors he uses to adjust compensation. (36:40) Mentioned on the Show: CRM Hubspot Salesforce Integration “U.S. manufacturing activity hits 14-month high”
Co-hosts Jim Carr, Nick Goellner and Jason Zenger talk about their past experiences with fear in business, including navigating recession, unemployment, and the current pandemic, then offer seven steps for leading through fear, along with personal applications and examples. Segments: Nick and Jim to talk about their most fearful time in business (1:30) Jim gives an update on Carr Machine Tool’s new business (5:15) Jason introduces manufacturing news about Apple’s manufacturing base (6:45) Jim, Nick and Jason talk about overcoming fear as business leaders and provide commentary on how taking certain steps have led to successful innovation, expansion and reinvention. (10:15) Jim, Nick, and Jason add their final thoughts and reflections. (27:40) Mentioned on the show: The Strategic Coach Podcast Killing Marketing: How Innovative Businesses Are Turning Marketing Cost Into Profit, by Richard Rose Related links: https://sports.yahoo.com/apple-looking-diversify-manufacturing-headphones-072853788.html
Guest Steve Schubert, Chief Operating Officer at Advanced Machine & Engineering Co., talks with co-hosts Jim Carr, Nick Goellner, and Jason Zenger about his rise from high school apprentice to a manufacturing industry leader and provides advice and perspective on recruiting and training the next generation of manufacturers. Segments: Jason provides a positive outlook on business-related changes prompted by COVID-19 (2:10) Nick introduces manufacturing news about a recent drop in Europe’s automotive industry sales (4:05) Guest Steve Schubert explains how he first got involved in manufacturing (10:00) Steve discusses his experience with formal apprenticeship and gives some thoughts on alternative educational opportunities and what it will take to build future manufacturing leaders (21:00) Steve gives insight into recruitment and discusses specific sources for finding future employees (28:00) Jason and Jim discuss whether or not it is the company’s responsibility to teach soft skills (33:00) Steve provides advice on how small companies can benefit from apprenticeship programs and gives final thoughts on the benefits of a career in manufacturing (36:00) Jim, Nick, and Jason provide final takeaways (42:00) Mentioned on the show: Rock River Valley Tooling and Machining Association German Precision Tool Industry Projects Decline in Consumption
When it comes to your cutting tools, how do you know when it's time to resharpen or recycle? This week on the MakingChips podcast, hosts Jim Carr, Jason Zenger, and Nick Goellner discuss when and why you should consider resharpening your cutting tools as well as the cost to resharpen versus cost of buying brand new.
Chad Moutray, chief economist for the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), talks with MC hosts Jim Carr, Nick Goellner, and Jason Zenger to provide insight into the current economic conditions for manufacturers during COVID-19 and offer an economic forecast for the future of our industry.
In a timely interview, Jim Carr, Nick Goellner, and Jason Zenger sit down with Cook County IL Board of Commissioners President Toni Preckwinkle, who oversees one of the nation’s largest public health and hospital systems as well as one of the nation’s largest criminal justice systems, to discuss details of the COVID-19 management and response, the CARES Act, and how to utilize current and future available resources to meet the demands of the crisis.
In this week's MakingChips podcast, hosts Jason Zenger, Jim Carr, and Nick Goellner discuss the impact of today’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and consider its effect on the manufacturing industry, future investors, travel and much more.
When the family members running the family business comprise everyone from seasoned octogenarians to fresh-faced millennials, challenges arise that are not necessarily talked about in other industries. In this week’s MakingChips podcast, hosts Jim Carr, Jason Zenger and Nick Goellner (representing three separate generations) delve into some complex, and often emotional, leadership issues experienced in their own multigenerational family businesses, and provide guidance on how to navigate these delicate situations.
As business leaders, the way we respond to unforeseen issues and crises can put a spotlight on both strengths and vulnerabilities within our corporate practices, culture, and personal character. In this week’s MakingChips podcast, Jason Zenger challenges Jim Carr, Nick Goellner and the metalworking nation to examine the impact of today’s Coronavirus (CoV) pandemic, and consider its effect on the manufacturing industry as well as what can be learned from the way leaders around the world are reacting to this threat. The guys discuss 4 points that every manufacturing leader can learn from this crisis as well as Xi Jinping, the paramount leader of the PRC, and the reaction from the Communist Party of China.
You are motivated, inspired and positive - your employee… not so much. How can you turn around an employee who does not match the positive energy in your workplace?In today’s episode of MakingChips, Jason Zenger, and Jim Carr, discuss a listener’s question and come up with 3 ways you can inspire your employees even if you’re new to your leadership role. Learn how to bring the energy, develop or redefine your core values, and find out what really drives your employees in this week’s new episode of MakingChips. Feedback? Go to MakingChips.com/feedback
Has anyone ever called you a control freak? Do you have trouble sharing responsibility? Is your inability to delegate holding back your potential? Divide and conquer is the name of the game on today’s episode of MakingChips. Jason Zenger, Jim Carr and Nick Goellner take a look at how to become the best version of yourself by taking simple steps such as learning to delegate and be more self-aware. Learn how to identify workaholic traits in yourself and how to combat them with the MakingChips team.
What exactly is the multiplier effect? How does manufacturing positively impact the economy and our communities? What makes manufacturing and other “creation industries” different from service industries? In today’s episode of MakingChips, Jason Zenger tackles these questions and more as the MakingChips team dives into a listener question. Do Jim Carr and Nick Goellner agree with the analysis? Listen and let us know what you think!
Sustainable growth for today’s manufacturing leader has as much to do with company values as it does with the value of your company. As industry leaders, setting meaningful personal and professional goals assure strong culture, inspire innovation and, ultimately, increase shareholder value. In this week’s MakingChips podcast, Jim Carr, Jason Zenger, and Nick Goellner each share the vision behind their own personal and professional goals for 2020 and provide inspiration on how to tackle the new year with meaning, purpose, and direction. Listen to the "guys that get dirty on the factory floor" on all major audio platforms and channels.
What’s the one question to ask before making any investment decision? As leaders in the industry we are dedicated to growth, yet with quality manufacturing relying so heavily on process, it often seems safer to keep doing things the way we always have. In today’s episode of MakingChips, Jason Zenger talks mergers, acquisitions, and good ways to grow with Mike Payne, President of Hill Manufacturing and Fabrication, who spent the first half of his career buying, managing, and selling dozens of companies across multiple industries before successfully acquiring a machine shop of his own. Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify
A team of leaders who are not united will never reach their potential. On today’s episode of MakingChips, the guys discuss the importance of team health after Jason Zenger shares an exercise he does with his leadership team at ZENGERS. This exercise brings healthy conflict to the forefront of their end-of-year planning meetings. The process improves company culture and brings teams closer together by affirming what each member admires about each other and what they would like to see improved. Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify
Step up your machining game by utilizing tools such as trunnion tables and growing your manufacturing business through partnerships with other companies! Jason Zenger and Nick Goellner join Stan Martin - Kentucky entrepreneur and owner of Martin Manufacturing in this inspiring episode of MakingChips. Many call him “Stan the Trunnion Man,” and rightly so. Realizing how much time he and his team were spending handling projects and parts themselves inspired Stan to streamline the trunnion table for optimal performance - for his own shop and for the entire Metal Working Nation. Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact Working smarter - not harder Stan says that the reason he found himself and his team in the trunnion table business is because he is a lazy machinist. He knew that manually handling every part was wasting time and energy when it could all be done by a machine. Using CNC machines and trunnion tables, Stan began creating his own product line. Stan explains that most companies still look at trunnion tables as only useful for certain jobs. While they are standardized to meet the specifications of certain projects and parts, it is rare that a manufacturing business will see a job only once or twice. More likely, they will need the same parts made over and over, increasing the practicality and efficiency of a tool like the trunnion table. Instead of having someone on the shop floor spending their time clamping, unclamping, reversing, and rotating every set of parts, you simply place the material onto the trunnion table and let it do the work for you. The result is a precise, consistent, and perfect job every time. Meeting - and exceeding - customer needs Stan understands the need to create an atmosphere of support, consistency, and ease for his customers. Instead of going straight to the larger work holding companies, he focused on meeting the needs of job shops first and coming alongside each and every customer. Stan and his team make it a priority to ensure that every customer understands how, when, and where to use their trunnion tables. Some are built to optimize vertical machinery, while others are built to compliment a rotary table. Stan explains that his team goes the extra mile to produce a ready-to-use trunnion table for their customers. If a customer sends them a rotary table, they will put work holding onto the trunnion, mount it, and hand it back to the customer - ready to make chips. Don’t be greedy with your machining Partnerships not only supply you with the tools, resources, and skills that your own team doesn’t possess - they allows your business to grow. Partnerships can extend to supply chains, manufacturing partnerships, application engineering, sales, and so forth. Stan believes that partnerships are vital. The only way to grow as a company is to not be selfish. Working with others creates a larger and more diverse pool of ideas and jobs. Collaborative efforts can be an excellent learning and growing experience for everyone involved. Obviously, you want to make sure that whoever you are partnering with is trustworthy and produces consistently excellent work. There should always be honest and open communication. Constant improvement becomes constant growth Stan discusses the need to continually evaluate the processes and tools you are using - and producing - within your business and partnerships. Customers want convenience and excellence, creating a full-time need for assessment and improvement. For Stan’s business, this meant creating standardized kits as well as offering custom lengths on their trunnion tables. From a small manufacturing business to one of the leading manufacturing companies, Stan and the team at Martin Manufacturing understand the necessity for optimal machining performance, caring customer service, and allowing other companies to partner and spread the knowledge and resources they have to offer. Here’s The Good Stuff! Manufacturing News: NIMS partners with Festo. Guest speaker, Stan Martin - the owner of Martin Manufacturing. Empowering his team and clients through trunnion tables. Creating a customer-focused business. The importance of partnerships. Investing in the tools and resources to make your business grow. Tools & Takeaways NIMS Partnering with Festo This Week’s Superstar Guest: Stan Martin Stan on LinkedIn Martin Manufacturing MakingChips Bio The ROI on Customer-Centric Manufacturing Culture Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify
As a leader you commit yourself to continuous improvement because you know that “good enough” doesn't last. You work on self development so that you can be the leader who heralds needed changes in a way that preserves and elevates the integrity of your organization. It becomes inevitable that when you hold continuous improvement as a primary value, it is a value you lead with, and infuse into your company culture. Improvement is a must to expect of yourself, but if your employees are not the owners, and not all of them see themselves as having much to gain from walking the extra mile, can you expect the same from them? If you've ever faced the question of how to implement continuous improvement in your organization, read on as Bruce Holoubek, owner of Contracted Leadership, and Host of The Development Exponent Podcast talks to Jason Zenger, the President of Zenger's-- a company with a mission for, “continuous improvement of manufacturing operations that result in documented profit improvement.” Zenger's is a distributor and service provider specializing in tooling and related supplies, metalworking, consulting, and tool crib management. The company lives Jason's value for continuous improvement. Some of Jason's drive to “prove and improve” comes from being born into the family business, thus needing to show his worth, while we can suspect the other parts of his drive come from character and a leader's spirit. Recently, Zenger's went through an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementation. ERP systems are critical for managing thousands of businesses of all sizes in all industries, and are as critical as keeping the lights on. They are an improvement process but also a chance to take a fair look at how your organization is doing. This was not Zenger's first ERP, and through this last one, he saw the success that could not have come had he not learned to step away from micromanagement, and take on other lessons in improvement for himself and for his team. Lessons Recover from micromanaging: Allowing your team to be autonomous in their work and decisions allows you to reap dividends because they are going to take ownership for their responsibilities. Work on your business instead of in your business: touching on the micromanaging issue, if you trust your people to ask the right questions, to do what they do, and feel safe in exploring creatively, they will do the work in your business, which will allow you to be more effective with your time as a leader and work on your business. Create a culture of openness: Tell your team to push back on you. If your COO has more experience in business than you, tap into that knowledge. Ask to be evaluated on how you can improve and what you did well. You will grow and your employees will see that you are holding yourself to the same standard of improvement that you expect from them. Cast a vision: Articulate your vision, lead towards that vision, and even if you don't make it to your goal, enjoy the satisfaction of being brave enough to aim there. Not “getting there” is ok if you ask how you can do it better next time and retool. That is part of the improvement process-- not making a basket when learning to play basketball is not a failure, it is a step in the process of learning to make the basket. Build the wall of core values: In hiring be firm. If you rush to hire, or push a person through who doesn't match the company values, you will regret it. A firm values-filtering process helps ensure the right company culture, but enforcing that process is a hiring-discipline must. Be clear in your expectations: Make it clear that you are going to be a company that demands self improvement, but know that people see improvement differently-- not everyone wants to advance to the management role or the next department. Not everyone wants a bigger paycheck (as it will mean bigger responsibilities). For people who love what they do, doing something different can mean unhappiness. Don't make the carrot something these people don't value-- allow them to stay where they are, but do expect them to improve in their role or as a member of the organization. Whether it's taking a class on communication or joining a company club, they still have to make even the slightest of improvements. Live beyond your role: Stay flexible and open by not allowing your job title to define who you are. You are not just the president of a company, you are a human being with multiple purposes. Take a cue from water-- it is powerful, yet it can take many shapes and be many things. It can be soft and life creating, and it can destroy. You are not one title. Tweet This/ LinkedIn That Recover from micromanaging: Allowing your team to be autonomous in their work and decisions allows you to reap dividends because they are going to take ownership for their responsibilities. #levelupyourleadership #leadership #contractleaders Know that tomorrow will be better than today. Keep people around you who believe that too-- because they will make improvements in themselves to prove that belief. #levelupyourleadership #leadership #contractleaders Build the wall of core values: In hiring be firm. If you rush to hire, or push a person through who doesn't match the values then you will regret it. #levelupyourleadership #leadership #contractleaders Let people speak openly to you. Allow pushback from leaders you respect-- let them know you expect it and accept it. #levelupyourleadership #leadership #contractleaders
Having the best workholding system is just as key as having the best tools! Jim Carr and Jason Zenger know the importance of keeping up with the game as manufacturing leaders. Growing up working the shop floor, guest speaker, Alvin Goellner, is the Business Development Leader of North America at Amrok Workholding. In this episode of MakingChips, he shares the latest trends in workholding systems and why you need to implement them for optimal efficiency and quality performance in your manufacturing business. Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact Optimizing your workholding process is vital to overall success The workholding process is all about how rigid you can make your setup - creating a solid foundation that will hold your material for optimal performance. Without a steady and rigid workholding system, your process will be riddled with chatter, less tolerance, and damaging vibration. While it is less of an investment to just keep upgrading your cutting and milling tools, it is still key to keep your workholding system up-to-date. The way your tool and materials are being held is vital to the outcome of the end-product. The workholding system must be rigid, robust, and competent at holding your material and efficient at resizing and holding different projects. Alvin explains that you can own the best cutting tools in the world, but without a competent workholding system, your product will not be the best on the market. The grid system evolution Alvin explains that over the years, he visited different manufacturing shops and studied the varying methods and machining solutions to the workholding process. He then went back to his own company - Amrok - and built the workholding systems that solved the problems he had found in his travels. The result was the 2-inch grid system, which has become an industry standard. While there used to be odd-sized grid systems with varying sized plates, Alvin found that most products can fit into the 2-inch grid plate. An incredibly efficient system, the hardened bushing, lock-tightened, slip fitted grid retains center distance tolerance because of its minimal clearance. 2-inch sub-plates are the common sub-plate, which allows for efficient adjustment of the numbers for varying projects. To learn more about the efficient and customizable applications of the 2-inch grid system, listen to the entire episode! Vise system optimization When projects become large a TRIAG modular vise system is the most efficient. With modular clamps that can fit almost any shape, the system boasts serrated base rails that mount on a standard, 2-inch grid and locate with dowel screws. This system enables the spindle to keep moving, thereby creating a more efficient process. The modular components can be loosened in seconds, and you don’t have to spend time indicating because of the dowel screw location. Listen to the full episode for more information on how the TRIAG modular vise system works and why it improves overall performance. What to implement now for immediate impact With so many options available on the current market, Alvin supplies three workholding systems that will instantly improve efficiency in the shop. First, optimize your foundation. Implementing a 2-inch grid system enables you to work with a lot of different system types, tools, and materials. Second, hydraulic, dedicated fixtures that automatically fit the part with a flip of the switch will save you time and energy. Third, introducing a low mix, high volume TRIAG system to your shop floor will prove invaluable. Center-less vises that mount on a rail are lighter and more efficient. Alvin explains that if you need to move from one sized part to another, the application is easy and fast, allowing you to produce more chips and earn more money. Here’s The Good Stuff! Manufacturing news: manufacturing jobs are steadily growing! Alvin Goellner: Business Development Leader at Amrok. The birth of Amrok created out of the need for a solid foundation. The versatility of a 2-inch grid system. Why optimizing the workholding process is just as important as upgrading your tools. How’s your vise grip? European vs. American workholding systems. The three most impactful workholding systems that you can implement today. Tools & Takeaways makingchips.com/workholding Amrok This Week’s Superstar Guest: Alvin Goellner Alvin Goellner Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify
The team at MakingChips knows how important it is for the Metalworking Nation to optimize efficiency and productivity. Having the right tools for the job is at the foundation of a leading manufacturing business. Guest speaker, Tom Senger, gives the run-down on the latest and greatest tools to utilize on the shop floor. Tom is the manager of the Vending, Integration, and Productivity (VIP) program at Zenger’s. Helping customers integrate new operations, realize new levels of productivity, and bring in greater revenue is his specialty. Manufacturing runs in his blood, and he understands what tools to use to get the job done. Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact The latest trends in cutting tools can help you make more chips...and more money The tools you use can make or break the impact of your manufacturing business. Hosts Jim Carr and Jason Zenger know you need to be making chips. Being on the cutting edge of cutting tools is imperative to saving money. Tom gives several suggestions for what tools to use for what job and explains that several improvements are being made throughout the manufacturing tool spectrum. Consistency is one of them. Small diameter, multifunctioning drilling tools have seen huge improvements in all-around consistency. It’s no longer the case that you need specialized tools for each part of the job. Not only do multi-functional drilling tools save you a ton of space in your collection storage, but they also get the job done with consistent quality and efficiency. Invest in one tool that can serve multiple functions. Coolant through is the new buzzword Coolant through is being implemented across the tool board. This quality helps reduce wear and tear on your drill bits, improves lubricity, and saves you time and money on maintenance, especially with solid carbide spindles and bits. It also improves consistency. Tom shares about some of the utilization of coolant through on the shop floor. Flat-bottom drills are excellent because they don’t have to be followed up by an end mill. They have replaceable tips and a myriad of products that you can place on the high-speed, coolant through, steel body. The flexibility of this tool enables you to save on carbide costs, and it is incredibly precise with diameters down to a millimeter and a half. Coolant through is also improving the performance of turning and cutting tools, cut-off and groove tools, and milling tools. Fast and high-speed milling tools are seeing smaller diameters, indexable end mills, and dynamic milling processes with the help of CAD CAM software. Different high feed cutters are being utilized to create more corners, even up to 6, 12, and 16 corners with repeatable functions. Turning and cutting tools are being improved with higher feeds and a greater depth of cut. The coolant through allows for less load on the spindle. It’s much the same story with cut-off and groove tools. Tom explains that the coolant through allows for a cooler cutting zone, cutting the cutting time by almost half. Be sure to listen to the full episode for all the details on how and why these improved tools need to become your next investment! Coating, and tolerance improvements As Tom points out, coating is king. Products and tools are no longer simply coated in a layer of tin. Now, there are several layers of different materials being applied for improved performance. Post-treatment coating is especially valuable, coming over the top insert and applying a clear, shining, polished surface. The polish protects and preserves carbide function and strength, improving the shelf-life of the tool up to 25%. Tolerancing is also an obvious ingredient of a great tool. Improved molding technology paired with coolant through enables tools such as the solid carbide spindle coolant drill to function with consistent quality up to a thousand repeatability. Slim the carbide and save on cash Carbide is expensive, and the more you can save on the life of your carbide tools and bits, the better. Solid carbide end mills have been a staple, but Tom explains that many are moving away from solid carbide and choosing steel shanks instead. Different types of end mill heads can be applied to the shank, and many of them have been made smaller for improved performance. Investing in coolant through applications and the right coating can have a huge, positive impact on the shelf-life of your carbide collection, allowing you to work harder, longer, and better without the constant maintenance costs. For more insight into the latest cutting tool trends, be sure to listen to the entire episode! Here’s The Good Stuff! To make chips you need the right tools. Manufacturing news: exciting award nomination for Carr Machine & Tool, and sales summit for Zenger’s. Tom Senger, manager of Zenger VIP program. The latest and great cutting tool trends. Coolant through, small diameter, multi-functioning drills. The power of the flat-bottom drill. Holding tolerance levels. Yes, the coating does mean everything. High feed milling tools and dynamic processing software. Turning and cutting tool trends. Cut off and groove improvements Shrink fitting tools is the way to go. Tools & Takeaways Foxconn Disappointment This Week’s Superstar Guest: Tom Senger Tom Senger Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify
Streamlining and optimizing your company’s hiring and onboarding processes can be difficult and sometimes daunting. Hosts Jim Carr and Jason Zenger bring helpful and common questions to the table with guest speaker Jessica Giudici - manager of organizational development at Smalley. Jess gives practical and engaging advice on how to approach your hiring process and create efficient, job-unique procedures for finding the best individuals for your company’s needs. Learn how staying true to your company’s vision and values can help save you time in the hiring process on this episode of the MakingChips podcast! Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact The hiring process: taking it back to the roots Where should manufacturing leaders start when assessing their company’s hiring process? Jess emphasizes that understanding who you are as a company is key. Branding isn’t just something that you talk about with the marketing team; who you are should permeate everything you do, including hiring and onboarding. Identify and establish who you are as an employer. What is your commitment to your employees and team members? Jess explains that when you understand who you are as a company and employer, it helps narrow down who you want to join your team and who will make a good fit. Create an optimized process centered around your company’s values Recognizing your identity is just the first step. The next is understanding who your audience is when marketing an open position. A cookie cutter approach to hiring won’t attract the unique candidates that you want to see applying for your specific job opportunities. From there, you can hone down which platform you will use to market the job. After you have identified who it is you need - and for what job - you need to walk through what the first conversation will look like. Put yourself in the candidate’s shoes and think about what they will find and feel when they walk through the door at the first meeting. Are your processes outdated? Is it all paper and work? Is it boring? Think again about who you are as a company and create an atmosphere that highlights your strengths, values, and vision. Interviewing: a process of identification Jess discusses why speed to hire must be executed within the framework of quality over quantity. You don’t need 10 or 20 candidates; you need one excellent candidate. Create an interview process for your company that focuses on finding the right fit. Jim and Jason agree, saying that making sure the candidate is aligned with your core values is essential. Jess recommends training your hiring managers to effectively engage the candidate and to listen to the entire team’s perceptions. She discourages the 2 on 1 interview, explaining that it is needlessly intimidating to the candidate, and it is easy for the emphasis of the interview to shift from the candidate to the communication between interviewers. To learn more about the best practices for interviewing and whether or not money should be discussed in the process, listen to the full episode! Breathing life into your onboarding process Having an optimized onboarding process is just as important as having solid hiring procedures. Jess recommends walking through the goals and desired impressions of the onboarding experience. She reveals that it only takes about 45 days for a new employee to decide whether or not they wish to stay with a company long-term or begin looking for new opportunities. The first few months are vital! Training your leadership on how to engage effectively with new recruits will quicken learning and make for a positive experience for all participants. The focus should be on creating an environment in which the new employee can thrive as a learner. For more excellent tips on how to streamline your manufacturing company’s hiring and onboarding processes, listen to the entire episode! Jim and Jason encourage you to not become overwhelmed but to take things one step at a time, leading to effective success. Here’s The Good Stuff! Carr Machine & Tool secured a finalists position for some exciting awards! Bill Gates invests in carbon-free steel manufacturing. Guest speaker, Jessica Giudici - a MakingChips veteran. The importance of a streamlined hiring and onboarding process. Where to start in assessing your company’s hiring process. Creating a step-by-step process that highlights your company’s vision and values. Best practices for the interviewing process. How to optimize the onboarding process and boost long-term employee retention. Don’t be overwhelmed! Improve one step at a time. Tools & Takeaways http://fortune.com/2019/01/09/boston-metal/ This Week’s Superstar Guest: Jess Giudici Jess Giudici Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify
The word is out - the economy is changing, and you should probably start planning for a recession. MakingChips hosts Jason Zenger and Jim Carr help take the intimidation out of a looming recessional period by offering some practical advice based on their own personal experiences with leading manufacturing businesses during economic recessions. Learn how you can get a head start in your business and personal life by making just a few - and not too frightening - changes to your company’s lifestyle in this important episode of the MakingChips podcast! Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact Preparation prevents poor performance Jim and Jason explain that recessions in the economy are inevitable. While we can’t ever know for sure when or how harshly recessions will hit, we can take steps to prepare for the strike. There are difficulties in every season of the economy - even in the good times. Recessions simply provide a different set of challenges that can be weathered more effectively by those who plan accordingly. Jim and Jason point out that the manufacturing economy is at a booming national high, which makes now the perfect time to save and plan for a dive. The money game: where to spend and where to save A looming recession raises numerous questions on how to best manage company and personal finances. Jim and Jason give helpful starting points for long-term effectiveness, beginning with the important step of keeping your debt low and under control. The probability of needing to cut job margins is high, and there will not be as much room in the profit margin to play with. Keeping debt thin will leave more room for necessary funding. Saving money is also vital. Jim and Jason recommend bulking up the savings account to create a buffer for yourself and your company for when times get tight. Saving now can help counter the possible need to cut employment levels. A third way you can take precautions now is to be prudent with your company and personal spending. Determine what you can cut out of your business and personal spending and make a budget. Learn how sacrificing now can save you later by listening to the full episode! Building up your team and your machine Don’t leave your employees and team members in the dark on what is happening in the economy and of the changes that you will likely need to make in your business when the recession hits. Encourage your team to not overextend themselves and to prepare themselves. Build up morale by explaining the cyclical nature of the economy. Recessions don’t last forever! Give them tools to help them prepare (such as this podcast!). Refrain from purchasing new machinery leading up to the recession and during. Invest in your current machinery by making necessary repairs and keeping up on maintenance. Today’s machinery will be tomorrow’s money-makers. Invest now while you have the monetary means. Seizing the opportunity in a recession Jim and Jason point out that opportunity is available in every season of the economy. Diversify your customer base now so that when things get rough, your company’s well-being won’t be compromised by the collapse of just one or two of your clients. Not all of your customers will be affected by the recession in the same way. When the recession does hit, don’t sit back and wait it out. Look for ways to build your business by observing what is available when other companies are struggling. An example Jim and Jason give is acquiring your competition’s businesses or bringing them onto your team. Look for ways you can help yourself by helping others. For more tips and tricks on how to lessen the pain of a recession and effectively prepare your manufacturing business for the coming times, listen to the full episode! Here’s The Good Stuff! A recession is coming. Exciting news about national growth in manufacturing and Jim’s new trunnion table. Changes in the economy call for changes of plan: how to be prepared. Why you should keep debt low. Why you need to diversify your customer base. Communication with your team is vital. The importance of maintaining your current machinery and equipment. Building your savings account so it can do its job. How being prudent in company and personal spending NOW will save you later. Opportunities are abundant - even in a recession. Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify
In this episode of MakingChips, Jason Zenger and Jim Carr introduce a new team member, Christine Schmitz - an experienced editor and writer who explains why storytelling matters to manufacturers and their businesses. Having long been connected to the manufacturing world through her husband, Dr. Tony Schmitz (featured in a previous episode), Christine has an intensely valuable viewpoint on how and why it is important for leaders to be able to tell good stories. “Communications is the foundation of who I am,” Christine shares. To communicate well, one must build relationship, and relationship is founded in the sharing of stories. Want to know what makes a great story and how knowing how to write one can boost your game in the manufacturing business? Listen to the whole episode! Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact Bringing process and art together Just as in manufacturing, there is a process of writing a good story. Christine shares the process of how to take your story and vision and work it into a compelling and useful tool. The process begins with the reader - the intended audience. Identify who your audience is and ask, “What do they want to know that I can share?” Identify what expertise you can share with your audience by knowing what problem you solve through your business or work. Your audience’s interest lies in the application of your knowledge and profession. Find an editor or another person you trust to give you feedback on your writing. Another set of eyes is invaluable and a vital part to the success of your story. Always reread your writing. Trust your professional intuition and make sure that your work, vision, and story is conveyed honestly and effectively. Creating a shared vision through your story Christine points out that most people only think of themselves when communicating. To build a lasting and effective relationship, however, one must think of the other person - in this case, the manufacturing leader must think of his or her business, employees, customers, and possible recruits. All of these categories are readers of your story who want to know, “What’s in it for me?” It can often be difficult for manufacturers to share the story of their work, the challenge of their highly technical fields, or the processes they use. Christine reveals that relevance is key to building the bridge between writer and reader. “When it’s hard to explain what you are doing to another person,” she explains, “it dramatically impacts the relationship you can have with them.” To learn how to best create a shared vision through your story, listen to the full episode! Connecting yourself and your audience through problem-solving Tailoring your message to your audience is vital for the survival of your story. But how should you convey your manufacturing story to capture your audience? Christine points out that manufacturing is something that permeates everybody’s lives. Manufacturers produce something tangible every day, whereas most other people do not. People want to know how and why you create the things you do - as long as the application applies to them. Your audience wants to know what the problem is that you solve and how and why you solve that problem. Connect yourself with your audience by concentrating your story on the end result of your work. Quality is always better than quantity Christine warns against the temptation to simply flood your readers and audience with information that they may not be interested in or need. Always take quality over quantity. One way you can ensure the quality of your writing is through an editor. While your professional expertise is needed to correctly tell the story, an editor can help you build the strongest and most effective bridge between your story and your audience. Also, realize that there is no one way to write. Find a process that works for you and don’t be afraid to change that process when it’s not working. To learn more about writing as a process and why storytelling matters to your manufacturing business and skillset, listen to the full episode! Here’s The Good Stuff! Manufacturing is storytelling. Manufacturing News: changes in tariffs. Introducing the new MakingChips member: Christine Schmitz. Why is it important to convey a good story? Storytelling as a process. Clarity in storytelling. What’s in it for me? Relevance in storytelling. Why should manufacturers write? Getting started: Connecting with your audience. Common storylines: everyone is touched by manufacturing. The importance of an editor. Quality over quantity in writing. Tools & Takeaways https://www.thestreet.com/technology/apple-considering-moving-china-manufacturing-14809167 https://storybrand.com/ This Week’s Superstar Guest: Christine Schmitz Christine Schmitz Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify
Scroll down to listen to the podcast with Jason Zenger. In today’s podcast I interviewed Jason Zenger, president of Zenger’s Industrial Supply, in Melrose Park, Illinois, a company that specializes in selling tooling and industrial supplies to the metal working industry. Jason also has a popular podcast called “Making Chips,” which he cohosts with Jim […]
This week on MakingChips, Jason asks Jim whether or not you really need a 5-axis machine. Every manufacturing company owner has to determine the right time to add a new piece of machinery to his or her shop. That decision isn’t always easy. More often than not, there are multiple good options that leave the leader with the daunting task of determining the best choice. Jim explains to Jason his rationale for a recent purchase making decision for Carr Tool and Machine and gives advice for making a big purchasing. Hear all that and more on this episode of MakingChips. Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact 2 main factors that can help you make decisions about machinery When considering a big purchase of machinery for your shop, the decision largely depends on two factors. The first factor is what you currently make. Know your current customer demand and your ability to meet that demand. If you are having trouble with turn-around or customers are continually leaving your business because you can’t meet their demand, it might be time to upgrade to a new piece of machinery. The second factor is how will your company grow in the future. Considering what technology you need to integrate into your company to allow for growth and expansion will help you make a wise purchase. Buying a 5-axis machine should be a need-based purchase After originally planning to buy a 5-axis machine last summer, Jim recently purchased a 4-axis Mazak 500mm twin table horizontal machining center with full fourth axis machining capability. He explains that while he was unable to complete the deal on the 5-axis machine the 4-axis machine has served him well. He has been able to meet customer needs with the 4-axis horizontal machine. Jim also expressed that he hasn’t had the need for a 5-axis machine. When considering a machine tool purchase, Jim advises letting need be a key determining factor. Buying a piece of equipment that you already have a need for ensures that you get an immediate return on your investment. How to make a good purchasing decision It is difficult to balance the tendency to resist change with moving forward too quickly. The danger is that you purchase a piece of machinery that won’t give you a quick return on investment. It is wise to introduce technology incrementally. Jim encourages leaders to utilize the wisdom and experience of your team to help make educated decisions for your company. He also suggests reaching out to your customers to see if they need the kind of work that would justify purchasing a 5-axis machine. Will a 5-axis machine make or break your company? Not having a 5-axis machine will not keep Carr Machine and Tool from being competitive in the long run. While Jim chose not to buy the 5-axis machine yet, he will definitely be looking to purchase one in the near future. Knowing the plan for future growth and expansion gives Jim a head start in finding the skilled labor or training current employees so that they can run the machine effectively. Jim and Jason would love to hear from you. Have you purchased a 5-axis machine? If so why? Here’s The Good Stuff! It is better to have a well placed fan than having an oscillating fan Buying new technology requires you to balance risk and reward JIm shares his excitement about a new relationship with an aerospace customer Manufacturing News: Machine Metrics shares shocking machine utilization numbers Jim shares his reasons for deciding not to buy a 5-axis machine Though it wasn’t a 5-axis Carr Machine and Tool did add a new piece of equipment in the shop Buying a machine should be based on the production needs you currently have Jim shares the impact of 5-axis machines could have for his company Jason and Jim ask for your feedback about 5-axis machines Tools & Takeaways Machine Metrics http://IMTS.com Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify
This week, we discuss how an outbound, consistent, persistent communication can increase brand awareness and boost your business and make you, personally, better at your profession. Today’s Guest: On this episode of Manufacturing Marketing Matters, I’m joined by Jason Zenger. Jason is the president of Zenger’s and the podcast host of Making Chips. Jason is my first guest that is also a podcaster. Jason and I talk about the power behind consistent, persistent, and frequent communication with your target audience. Zenger’s sells tools, equipment, and shop supplies to manufacturing companies. He explains that his podcast may help him with sales for his company, but it also makes him a better leader, which also adds to his sales. In this conversation, you will learn how sharing expertise through a podcast helps your audience and helps your business. Highlights: [00:53] - Jason describes his responsibilities and roles with Zenger’s and describes Zenger’s business. [02:27] - Jason talks about his podcast, Making Chips. [04:12] - Podcasting is a time commitment, and Jason explains why he does the podcast. Jason explains that he sees the manufacturing as a vital component of the nation’s success. [05:20] - Jason talks about how the podcast benefits his business. [08:01] - Jason lists some of the benefits to your business by sharing expertise. He also explains how to set expectations for those benefits. [11:20] - The sales process involves a lot more people and departments now. Jason explains how he sees the roles broken down. [12:44] - Jason shares there is a current culture shift in the way business leaders become the personality behind the business. [14:54] - Jason provides some tips on managing time constraints with this changing culture shift. [18:22] - Jason talks about the differences between having a podcast or written content through blog posts. [19:47] - You may be wondering if taking on this type of venture to connect with your customers is worth it. Jason explains why he believes this difference is measurable. [21:04] - There’s a lot of unknowns with podcast statistics. Jason explains that despite the imprecise analytics, he feels that podcasting is a good investment. [24:00] - Jason answers this week’s challenge question. This question comes from the CEO of a company that manufactures medical devices. This person says their business has been flat and none of the strategies they have implemented has gained any traction. The sales team is more traditional, and this person wants to know how to transform the group by having them share their knowledge. Jason shares his thoughts and some tips on this situation. [28:10] Jason shares his takeaways from this conversation: Start seeing what you can do in order to elevate the manufacturing industry. There are a lot of very wise engineers and manufacturing professionals that are nearing retirement. There’s a lot of intellect that needs to be extracted from these individuals. Interview Questions: Question 1: Why do you do it? How does it benefit your business and/or your life? Question 2: I know a lot of our listeners wonder about this idea that you can grow a business without pitching the product. You’re a practitioner of this idea. Would you share with the audience how and why the concept of sharing knowledge and expertise can grow a business. Question 3: In the old days of the late 20th century and even early 21st century, the sales team owned the entire process from prospecting, to engaging, to closing the deal; the whole funnel or pipeline if you will. These days, most of us are in agreement that the marketing function is responsible for the top and middle of the funnel and sales is responsible for the bottom of the funnel. Which part of the company is out there sharing the information like a podcast or a blog? Is it Sales, Marketing, PR or some other department? How do you see it working in a practical sense? Question 4: It’s hard for manufacturers to devote the time and resources to a regular blog, podcast or webinar. Marketing and sales are usually very busy and running very lean. How does a manufacturer make the change, commit to a regular communication? Do they stop doing other more traditional activities? Get a loan to hire more people? Or is there another way? How big of difference can it make? Enough to switch resources from print ads or trade shows? Challenge Question: This week our challenge question comes from the CEO of a company that manufactures medical devices. Here it is “We’re a medical device company. Our business has been flat for the past 5 years. We’ve tried hiring more sales people, social media, content marketing and even blogging, but nothing seems to get any traction. My sales team is a bunch of dinosaurs (please keep this anonymous) who can’t figure out how to sell without demanding a rock bottom price. I read your book, The New Way to Market for Manufacturing, and I like the idea sharing expertise. We have 70 engineers on staff, how do I get them to share their knowledge and how do I transfer it to grow the business?” Would you like a complimentary marketing plan evaluation? This includes a 1-hour discover call, a 1-hour post-evaluation analysis, and a comprehensive look at your current strategies. Sign up at MMMatters.com/evaluation. If you have a challenge you’re facing or a problem, when it comes to sales and marketing, send it in as a challenge question, and I’ll pose it to one of our guest experts. Email your challenge question to bruce@mmmatters.com. You can get a free copy of my book, “The New Way to Market for Manufacturing” by visiting MMMatters.com/ebook
MC039: A Young Woman with Manufacturing Dreams: A conversation with Michelle Mabry Traditionally the manufacturing industry has been dominated by the presence of men. That’s not a bad thing. But it’s not necessarily a good thing either. Today’s episode of Making Chips is a conversation with one of the many young women who are stepping into the once-male-dominated manufacturing industry and making a very positive difference. When Michelle Mabry moved to Chicago she enrolled in a welding class at a local community college and was set on fire by the wonderful skills and things she could do with a welding torch in her hand. She’s confident that she has a ton to offer the manufacturing industry. Hear her story on this episode of Making Chips. What inspires a young woman to become a welder? The answers to that question will be is as different as the young women you’re talking about, but for Michelle Mabry it was the way that welding could be an outlet for creativity and inspiration. She discovered that the skill of welding enables her to create things that otherwise might never come to reality, and that she could transfer those skills to others through teaching and enable them to establish a solid future when there otherwise may not be any hope. Hear more of how Michelle is using her welding experience and education to inspire others to make something great of their lives, on this episode. Is the modern machine shop an appropriate place for women to be? Michelle Mabry thinks so… as do the hosts of Making Chips, Jason Zenger and Jim Carr. Modern manufacturing facilities are not your grandfather’s machine shop. By and large today’s shops are clean, technical, skill-oriented environments where women and men can work alongside each other to create the parts and machinery that keep our country running. Jason, Jim, and Michelle have a very open and candid conversation about the unique perspectives that women bring to the manufacturing industry on this episode, and you get to listen in. Why are women needed in the manufacturing industry? A unique mindset and perspective is one of the many things women bring into manufacturing, and Jason Zenger and Jim Carr believe it’s sorely needed. Men and women are different and they feel it’s about time we utilized those differences to move the manufacturing industry forward, opening up doors of possibility that until now have gone unnoticed. With the combined insights and creativity of both sexes, manufacturing companies can innovate and grow in ways we’ve not seen yet. Hear more about how this combination of the sexes in the manufacturing industry could move things forward, in this episode. What about you? Are you willing to take a step into a new field? When Michelle Mabry first told people that she was going to enroll in a welding class at her local college, she hit opposition almost immediately. People took exception with her choice because she was a woman, because it wasn’t “normal” for a women to don a welding helmet and apron. But Michelle says the naysayers only fuel her determination. It’s not that she wants to be like a man, she wants to be who she is, and welding is one of the channels she uses to express her creativity and make a difference in the world. Hear Michelle’s inspiring story on this episode. Maybe it will inspire you to step out of your comfort zone and develop a new skill as well. Outline of this episode [1:06] The upcoming Mazak event, “Mazak Discover 2015” - click to register for this incredible event. [3:12] Introduction to this episode: An inspiring story about following your passion! [3:45] Industry news - Jim’s participation on a panel discussing smart manufacturing, and Jason’s journey in working through some acquisitions for his company. [6:10] Introduction of today’s guest: Michelle Mabry. [7:50] Michelle’s move to Chicago as the catalyst that moved her into the field of welding. [9:00] What inspired Michelle about welding? [10:15] Michelle’s enrollment in a welding class: what she learned and the certifications she is earning. [14:00] Michelle’s aspirations to teach welding once she’s finished with her education. [16:02] Hopes for the future: Sculptures, encouraging others to consider their possibilities, and the desire to help others excel.) [17:56] How to get the younger generation or women interested in the manufacturing industry. [19:21] How a welding lab can breed confidence in people who otherwise might not have it. [20:26] The power of manufacturing skills to give people a new lease on life and dreams for their future. [22:04] What the average manufacturing employer is looking for. [22:43] Michelle’s “Ah Ha!” moment when she knew manufacturing was what she wanted to do. [23:20] How Michelle dealt with the naysayers. [24:16] The importance of women in the manufacturing industry. Links mentioned in this episode Mazak’s upcoming event - https://www.mazakusa.com/discover2015/ Workshops for Warriors - http://workshopsforwarriors.org/ www.MakingChips.com/contact Or call us at 312-725-0245 Tweets you can use to tell others about the episode What motivates a young #woman to become a #welder? A young #woman who became a #welder, and how she dealt with the #naysayers Why women are vitally needed in the #ManufacturingIndustry How #manufacturing skills can inspire and motivate people to a better more productive life Using #welding to #inspire and #motivate others, in this episode of #MakingChips
Marketing is an important part of any business. It’s got to be because it’s how you let people know who you are and what you do. That’s something that can never change. But the WAY you marketing has GOT to change. Why? Because the world we live in changes. People are repulsed or attracted by different things today than they were even a few years ago. Marketing has got to flex with the times. In this episode of Making Chips, Jim Carr and Jason Zenger walk you through their personal mindset about marketing for the manufacturing industry, focusing on the top old-school marketing tactics that don’t work in the modern era. Some of them are seen as “staples” of good marketing but simply don’t yield results and wind up wasting money. Listen in to find out what they are. A peek into this episode: Interruption marketing. Do you know what that is? Do you know why it’s probably the WORST way to get attention for your manufacturing business? And do you know if you’re doing it or not? If you didn’t know what it was in the first place, chances are you are still doing it. Listen in to this episode to learn how to modify your marketing tactics so you can be more effective in generating interest in your services and products. Do you use the Yellow Pages to market your business? Jim and Jason beleive the good old YP are a thing of the past as well. The ways people search for information have gone increasingly online and less toward print. The advent of smartphone technology is making that more true every day. The money you spend for those expensive yellow pages ads could be money wasted. Jim and Jason will explain it in the episode. In manufacturing news, there’s a growing need for skilled, quality people in the manufacturing industry. Opportunities are abundant and more are popping up every day. There’s plenty of room for advancement and good salaries. Listen to this episode of Making Chips to find out more details about this great opportunity. All this and more on this episode of Making Chips! . Here’s the outline of the conversation The possibility of sponsorship opportunities for the Making Chips podcast. News items: Quality people needed in the manufacturing industry. No more interruption marketing - do you know what that means? What about the yellow pages and manufacturing directories? Should you really be in there? Are you a spammer? You might be surprised. General radio advertisements. Line cards, facilities lists, and brochures - do you need them? What is permission-based marketing? It’s the new way marketing works today. Do you know what inbound marketing is? You need to. Jim and Jason’s personal top No-No’s of traditional marketing. Links mentioned on this episode www.MakingChips.com/contact Or call us at 312-725-0245
That’s what Patricia Miller’s professional associates told her when she started investigating the possibility of taking over her family business after she’d already pursued and been successful at a career that included marketing, corporate leadership, and politics. Put yourself in her shoes and you’ll probably understand why they said what they did. She’d already experienced many perks that manufacturing leaders seldom do. Travel, posh offices, important connections - yet, she says her heart and her home pulled her back to take over her grandfather’s failing manufacturing business. Welcome to Making Chips - THE podcast for manufacturing leaders and those involved in the manufacturing industry. Jim Carr and Jason Zenger bring you these shows week after week to help you keep on top of what’s happening in the manufacturing industry and to equip you to be the leader of your company as you desire to be. Today the guys are talking with Patricia Miller in what is likely part one of a two part conversation. Patricia’s story is anything but typical. Though she was surrounded by the world of manufacturing as a child, spending time around her grandparent’s very successful machine shop, she never felt a draw to be “in” the family business. Her parents encouraged her to pursue her dreams and she did exactly that. But when her grandfather retired and his health failed, Patricia was at a juncture in her own life where she was choosing her next step. Suddenly, the option of taking over her grandparent’s business was a very real possibility that she’d not considered before. In this episode of Making Chips you’re going to hear Patricia’s story of moving out of the corporate world to take over a manufacturing business that she admits was “stuck in the 70s” and on its last leg. It’s a story that testifies to the value and importance of long-time manufacturing operations and the leadership abilities of one amazing lady. Grab your coffee, turn up the volume, and join Jim, Jason, and their guest Patricia Miller, CEO of Matrix IV as they discuss the process of moving a old-school manufacturing business into the modern era. On this episode of Making Chips. . Here’s the outline of the conversation with Patricia The story of Matrix IV, beginning with Patricia’s grandfather and grandmother Patricia’s experience as a child being around the world of manufacturing Patricia’s education led her into corporate leadership, politics, pharmaceuticals, and everything BUT manufacturing Patricia’s opportunity to take over the leadership of Matrix IV and how she came to that decision The realization that the company was stuck in the 1970s and what Patricia did about it The first steps toward rejuvenating a tired, old business How 400% growth since Patricia’s arrival is spurring the business forward Links mentioned on this episode Patricia’s company - Matrix IV - http://www.matrixiv.com/ An article from “Plastics News” describing what Patricia has done with Matrix IV - http://www.plasticsnews.com/article/20141212/NEWS/141219962/new-leader-gives-molder-a-spark www.MakingChips.com - sign up for the Making Chips newsletter & podcast posts automatically (your information is never given to anyone else). You can leave a comment or add to the discussion on this episode by visiting http://www.MakingChips.com/25 Or call us at 312-725-0245 Tweets you can use to tell others about the benefits of vending systems Old-school manufacturing has to move into the modern age. It’s a new day http://www.MakingChips.com/?p=490 My family encouraged me not to come back and take over the family business http://www.MakingChips.com/?p=490 I had done the things I wanted to do and decided to consider taking over the family business http://www.MakingChips.com/?p=490 90% of the business had gone offshore before I took over the leadership http://www.MakingChips.com/?p=490 I decided to take over this family business that was 6 months from having no cash http://www.MakingChips.com/?p=490
This is a hot topic edition where Jim is asking Jason about vending systems for the machine shop. You may have the impression that vending machines are just for the huge companies that crank out bazillions of widgets every day. But is that true? You’re going to find out that and a ton more about machine shop vending systems in this episode of Making Chips. There are many misconceptions about vending systems and much resistance to the idea that a small shop could actually benefit from using them, but Jason Zenger knows better. He’s been able to place systems in a variety of settings, from small to large shops and has seen the benefit in even the smallest settings. The reason for that is simple: The cost for vending systems has dropped as the technology has increased, making the power of vending systems more affordable for the little guy. Vending systems also enable you to keep track of tool and supply usage, which in turn tells you which employees are using what items so that you can make more informed adjustments to your systems or procedures as needed. Just imagine the savings of ensuring that every part is being used to its fullest capacity! The major objectives of implementing a vending system in your shop: Reduction in Spending Increased Productivity Increased Profitability If it doesn’t make sense to you how those benefits come from installing and using a vending system in your shop, you need to listen in as Jason shares his experience as a representative for some vending system companies. What the guys have to say about vending systems in this episode... Major objectives of having a vending system in your shop - 3 powerful reasons. The history of modern vending systems for the machine shop. Aren’t vending systems geared more for huge manufacturers? How to use vending systems in a small machine shop. The sizes of vending machines and how to fit them into your shop. Partnering with someone to help you manage the vending system so it doesn’t take over your schedule. What types of supplies and tools can work with a vending system? The process of bringing on a vending system and the importance of your vending partner. Best practice software issues relating to your machine shop vending system. The increasing popularity of vending systems. 3 ways small companies can benefit from vending systems. Listener questions Jim and Jason are also happy to highlight questions from listeners on this episode. You can ask your question for this section of the podcast by call 1-312-725-0245 and leave your message on the recording. Here’s today’s questions: How important is it for a manufacturing company to have a clean, updated, and functional website? What are buyers looking for when searching for a new supplier? Links mentioned on this episode www.MakingChips.com - sign up for the Making Chips newsletter Something to look forward to… Making Chips is going on the road! Stay tuned for more details. Tweets you can use to tell others about the benefits of vending systems Machine shop vending systems for the little guys… it’s not only possible, it’s a reality. You don’t have to be a huge shop to afford and benefit from vending systems. Find out more in this episode. Track your supplies and tools more effectively, and keep more profit on the bottom line. Vending systems can reduce spending, increase productivity, and increase profit, even in small machine shops. Your machine shop can function more smoothly and profitably by using a vending system. Find out how in this episode.
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