Podcasts about Pro shop

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This Friday whiparound episode covers the hottest topics in golf: AI announcers "coming to fruition," PGA Tour Comms tweets, and the latest in RATINGS! after last weekend's Solheim Cup. Andy and Brendan first clean up some more 2028 exemption chatter from Wednesday's show, with Andy learning that the players - perhaps including Lucas Glover, who stands to benefit from the Career Milestone exemption - pushed for these categories to exist on the new-look PGA Tour. Brendan then dubs this week's event in Asheville as "the Super Bowl of Preferred Lies" after the Tour decided that all four days would be played ball-in-hand on Thursday morning. The two also discuss the totality of Duff Foreman's broadcast debut and some quotes from his creator (or father?) that ran in a Golf.com article this week. The two then bring in Kevin Van Valkenburg for a discussion about declining Solheim Cup ratings. Andy calls the disappointing numbers a "fire alarm," and the three debate whether the ratings are even in a place to improve moving forward. KVV then rounds out a year of B. Draddy Presidents Cup Flashbacks with the granddaddy of them all: a look back at the 2003 tie, captained by Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player! We will be back on Monday morning ahead of our live show at SPACE in Evanston as we head to the Windy City for the 2026 Presidents Cup. New to the Pro Shop, our Chicago Collection has arrived. We’ve given our SGS logo a Chicago twist, referencing the light blue and red colors on the Chicago flag. We’ve got that available on hats, koozies and tees. Check it all out at proshop.thefriedegg.com OR if you’re coming to our live show in Chicago on Sept. 21st, we’ll have a pop up shop there with the whole collection available! The official Presidents Cup uniforms are available to shop now at B. Draddy, alongside their Presidents Cup t-shirt collection! If you'd like to carry a piece of the week home with you, visit bdraddy.com and use promo code SGS30 for 30% off your order.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kennametal isn't showing up to IMTS with another wall of cutting tools. They're building a working custom motorcycle shop in the middle of the West Building—and they plan to cut chips, build a bike, and give that bike away before the show ends. Kim Wilson, Global Director of Marketing Communications, and Matt Jacques, Global Brand and Creative Services Manager at Kennametal, join us for a look behind the curtain at what it takes to build an IMTS experience this ambitious. The concept started taking shape during IMTS 2024 and grew through collaborations with custom motorcycle builder Carey Hart, machinist Satya Krause, artist Taylor Schultz, and several Kennametal customers. Inside the Next Level Shop, those customers will machine real components using Kennametal tooling—including parts destined for a customized Indian Sport Chief. Attendees can watch live demonstrations, bring application challenges directly to the Kennametal team, explore its digital machining capabilities, and enter to win the completed motorcycle. But this episode isn't only about building an unforgettable booth. It's about replacing the traditional trade-show pitch with real conversations. Kim and Matt explain how Kennametal is training its team to begin with a manufacturer's challenges—not a product catalog—and help customers uncover opportunities around productivity, tool life, applications, and digital machining. Visit Kennametal in Booth #431800 in the West Building, Level 3, to experience the Next Level Shop, see live machining demonstrations, and enter to win the custom Indian Sport Chief. What's Covered in this Episode (0:00) Nick's fifth baby is due the Tuesday of IMTS, and his attendance is still up for debate (2:26) Kim Wilson and Matt Jacques on their roles (and the IMTS that doubled as Matt's first day) (5:43) Metal Mania in 2024 and why Kennametal had to come back looking different (7:20) How the Next Level Shop theme morphed into a full custom motorcycle build (9:08) Taylor Schultz, Satya Krause, and Carey Hart putting their hands on the booth concept (10:34) From giving away a machine in 2024 to giving away a bike built in the booth (13:15) Win a fully tooled SVM 4100 from MakingChips, DN Solutions, and Kennametal (14:02) A 100 by 60 booth, project sheets, and leaning hard on the EWI relationship (16:49) An in house design team taking over all the creative for the first time (17:47) Why so many IMTS booths run the same branding show after show (19:23) Racks of tooling versus something a shop owner can stand and watch (20:19) The 2024 lesson: cutting chips at a show takes about a year of prep (21:19) Elevate, powered by AMT and Women in Manufacturing, during IMTS 2026 (22:12) Customer demos from Spire Motorsports, Purdue students, and Tim Drinkwater (23:26) Partnership in practice: tooling up the mini tombstones in the Hennig booth (26:04) Two huge giveaways happening on Friday the 18th (28:45) A Monday announcement and a first to market additive technology launch (29:44) Find Kennametal tooling at 14 different booths in the South Hall (30:20) First timer advice: comfortable shoes, hydration, and map the show before you go (33:04) Who trains the booth team and how the floor gets divided up between them (35:35) Ask questions and be human, because nobody wants to be pitched at (37:42) Take your shop to the next level with DN Solutions (38:54) ProShop's booth staffed with 40 customer ambassadors (41:48) Does a booth theme actually stick with a shop owner two years later? (44:32) What they're most excited about, and what's keeping them up at night Resources Mentioned Kennametal MakingChips Machine Giveaway IMTS Elevate at IMTS 2026 DN Solutions ProShop ERP Superfeet Connect with Kim Wilson and Matt Jacques Connect with Kim on LinkedIn Connect with Matt on LinkedIn Kennametal Kennametal at IMTS 2026: Booth 431800, West Hall, Level 3 Connect with MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

The boys break down the U.S. team's crushing defeat at the hands of Team Europe in the Solheim Cup. Plus, Shane Lowry dominates in his home country and a wild pro shop video goes viral. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ein Jahr vor dem Ryder Cup 2027 nehmen wir euch mit hinter die Kulissen von Adare Manor! Wie bereitet sich ein Luxushotel darauf vor, die besten Golfer Europas und der USA zu beherbergen? Wer entscheidet, welches Team welche Zimmer bekommt? Und was landet eigentlich auf den Tellern der Spieler? Zille spricht mit einem, der mittendrin steckt: Tee Time-Hörer Niko Zigrahn ist Director Food & Beverage im Adare Manor und verantwortet dort die Gastronomie. Aus einer Nachricht an unseren Podcast wird ein Gespräch voller Einblicke in die Vorbereitung auf das große Duell zwischen Europa und den USA. Niko erzählt von Besuchen der Captains, den ersten Verpflegungsplänen und der Frage, warum ein Zimmer mit Golfplatzblick für die Spieler nicht unbedingt die erste Wahl ist. Außerdem geht es um frisch erneuerte Fairways, die Golfbegeisterung der Iren und einen Pro-Shop, in dem die Ryder-Cup-Vorfreude längst an der Kasse ankommt. Und natürlich sprechen wir über das Thema, das viele Fans beschäftigt: Wo übernachten, wenn man ein Ticket ergattert hat? Vom Camping bis zum Kreuzfahrtschiff diskutieren wir Möglichkeiten, Engpässe und ungewöhnliche Ideen. Eine halbe Stunde voller Vorfreude, irischem Golffieber und Geschichten aus einem Haus, auf das 2027 die Golfwelt blickt. TEE TIME – der Golf Podcast. Als Video auf Spotify und YouTube und zum Hören auf allen Podcastplattformen.

Most machine shops start thinking seriously about workforce development when they already need someone. A machinist quits, capacity jumps, the backlog grows, and suddenly finding skilled people becomes an emergency. MSP Manufacturing has taken a very different approach. Johnny Goode joins Paul and Brooke to explain how MSP has spent years building relationships with high schools, apprenticeship programs, students, parents, and the broader manufacturing community. Now, as the company experiences more than 50% revenue growth, that investment is starting to pay off. We dig into ROI Uplands, a regional program connecting high school students with real employers, and what it actually looks like to bring 16- and 17-year-olds into a working machine shop. Can apprentices contribute meaningfully in an environment where quality, safety, and precision matter? How much training does it take? And what happens to your culture when young people become a regular part of the team? We also get into the bigger problem facing manufacturing: many students and their parents still have no idea what these careers actually look like. Johnny, Paul, and Brooke talk about the earning potential hiding inside modern manufacturing, why exposure needs to start long before graduation, and what shops can do to help create the next generation of machinists instead of waiting for someone else to do it. What's Covered in this Episode (0:00) Why these apprentices hold themselves to a higher standard than anyone sets for them (2:17) Reintroducing Johnny Goode and getting a snapshot of MSP Manufacturing (4:11) 30 employees, six apprentices, and 50% revenue growth without adding bodies (5:30) How ROI Uplands links nine counties of Indiana high schools to local employers (7:51) Take your shop to the next level with DN Solutions (9:05) Eagle Manufacturing and the student-run businesses taking real jobs from industry (10:35) Interview day, the draft, and the state reimbursing half of apprentice wages (11:55) A three-to-two tuition deal that sends students into the workforce with zero debt (13:04) Brooke on steamfitting, welding, and the year of college she'd take back (14:47) 500 applicants, 100 placements, and why Indiana is ahead of the curve (16:14) What happens to culture when apprentices are the children of your employees (17:57) Win a fully tooled SVM 4100 from MakingChips, DN Solutions, and Kennametal (18:44) Why people apply to MSP when there are no job postings anywhere (20:38) What MSP does to support their community (21:40) The Band-Aid analogy: keep patching the wound or repair it (23:42) What a day actually looks like for an apprentice on the floor (26:09) What success looks like: Hiring for culture fit over subject matter expertise (29:10) Why students are choosing manufacturing internships (31:05) Countering the stigma that the trades are the fallback option (33:42) The $180,000 setup programmer nobody talks about (36:00) Reality-based AI for the factory floor at the IMTS Industrial AI Conference (35:19) AI as a force multiplier, not a people replacer (37:26) Why schools turn down free software, and what ProShop does instead (42:12) Advisory boards, wait lists, and the tech school near Tulsa with no students (45:33) Reaching third graders before anyone tells them what a machinist is (50:07) What gives Johnny the most hope for the next generation Resources Mentioned ROI Uplands Eagle Manufacturing (Brown County High School) ProShop ERP DN Solutions Kennametal Conexus Indiana MakingChips Machine Giveaway IMTS IMTS Industrial AI Conference Titans of CNC Connect with Johnny Goode Johnny Goode on LinkedIn MSP Manufacturing Connect with MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Last Chance Archery has been making the tools archers and Pro Shop technicians use for the past 20 years. Jonathan Clark, whose grandfather started the company, runs through the company's history, purpose and evolution, which includes working closely with legendary archery coach George Ryals IV - aka GRIV. If you work on your own bows, this is a discussion you'll want to hear.

A lot has changed since the last time we pulled up chairs around the Boring Bar. For our fourth edition, eight manufacturing leaders joined us in the MakingChips studio ahead of the IMTS pre-party to talk about where the industry is headed and, after a couple pours, where they think it should be headed. AI takes over the conversation early. How fast is it really moving into manufacturing? What happens when it can quote jobs, write code, capture tribal knowledge, or help program a part? Where does the human still matter? And are we actually prepared for the power, infrastructure, workforce, and even educational questions that come with all of it? Then we turn the question back on ourselves. If you were starting a machine shop in 2026, knowing everything we know now, would you build it the same way? What would you invest in first? What kind of equipment would you buy? How would you think about automation, people, capacity, specialization, cash flow, and the growing list of incentives available to manufacturers? Along the way, we get into what's driving demand right now, why data centers suddenly matter to machine shops, what manufacturers should be watching at IMTS, and whether the next generation of shops will look anything like the ones we grew up around. As usual at the Boring Bar, there are strong opinions, questionable jokes, bourbon, gin, and a few detours we definitely didn't plan. Pull up a chair. What's Covered in this Episode (0:00) The fourth edition of the Boring Bar, back in the MakingChips studio + introductions (5:43) IMTS 2026 registration is running ahead of 2018, the largest show on record (6:36) The IMTS pre-party, the rally car, and what the night is really for (7:44) What's changed for everyone since the last Boring Bar (9:27) Data centers: Are they the engine behind this year's growth? (12:43) The 37 minute AI prompt that produced a consultant grade report (13:30) Hallucinations, beach reads that did not exist, and why you verify (18:39) Training on AI, where it's going, and why everyone needs to embrace it (25:33) The stage zero most shops skip: Security, then application  (26:48) How quoting has been compressed from days to minutes (28:19) The IMTS Industrial AI Conference and the Industrial AI Arena (29:28) The IMTS Job Shops Workshop and the AI for the job shop session (30:36) ProShop goes AI first, plus native machine monitoring, AI quoting, and Chip (33:21) Programming a part with AI after 30 years away from it (37:00) Capturing tribal knowledge so each job teaches the next (42:21) The machine tool giveaway with DN Solutions + Kennametal (42:38) The big question: how would you start a machine shop today (47:49) Invest in infrastructure first (digital and physical) (55:25) What will be your guiding metrics? Availability, performance, and quality (57:34) Run the shop lights out yourself, then replicate yourself with each hire (1:04:05) Three business skills for a new shop: cash, capacity, and credits (1:06:15) $3,500 per apprentice, plus the tax tools that arrived in July of 2025 (1:09:20) The Lights Out guest with a fab shop, a water plant, and a coal mine (1:15:32) The comp sci grad who chose trade school over a job AI could take (1:22:12) Generation CNC: teenagers buying their first machines (1:23:34) Math as a barrier, and why we should not exclude kids (1:26:48) The importance of Oscar Mike and Manufacturing Pathways (1:28:45) Machine giveaway: DN Solutions, Kennametal, SMW Autblok, and Martin Trunnion Tables Resources Mentioned IMTS 2026 IMTS Industrial AI Conference IMTS Student Summit DN Solutions Kennametal ProShop ERP SMW Autoblok Hennig CLA AMT The $3,500 Apprenticeship Incentive Oscar Mike Foundation Manufacturing Pathways Consortium Connect with Our Guests Connect with Larry on LinkedIn Connect with Bonnie and MC Connect with Jennifer Connect with Mike Connect with MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Andy Johnson, Kevin Van Valkenburg, and Joseph LaMagna reconvene to discuss the latest news in men's professional golf as the 2026 season comes to a close. First, the trio each share one big takeaway from the league that was LIV Golf 1.0, with Kevin and Joseph providing a lasting memory from their time on the ground at LIV events. They wonder if LIV's money would have been better spent on building a championship-level golf course rather than a roster of players and debate what the future holds for LIV's "2.0" structure. Andy, Kevin, and Joseph then move on to the biggest news of this week: PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp's announcement of a new Tour Championship structure beginning in 2028. The three are all excited for this new-look match play format and focus on how to make the best television product possible out of two weeks of matches between the PGA Tour's top players. They also highlight the Tour's newfound venue flexibility as a traditional scoring won't matter for these matches beginning in 2028. Beginner or scratch golfer, weekend warrior or tour hopeful—however you play, there's a Garmin device built for your game. Visit garmin.com to learn more. Potato chips are back! Our Potato Chip logo is on apparel, towels, headcovers, and more and they’re all available in the Pro Shop. Treat yourself and visit proshop.thefriedegg.com today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After more than 300 conversations across Machine Shop Mastery, MakingChips, and Manufacturing Transformed, I wrote a book. It's called Precision Manufacturing, Precision Business, and I keep saying "we" wrote it because that's the truth. I got the words onto the page, but the hard lessons, ideas, and wisdom came from this community. The premise is simple: you'd never ship a titanium part at 99% accuracy, so why run your business that way? Shops obsess over holding dimensions, but that same precision doesn't always carry into quoting, planning, scheduling, procurement, or contract review. That gap is the opportunity. In this episode, I share my journey in manufacturing, starting in 1997 with six college friends, a second mortgage, one Haas VF4, and very little idea what we were doing. The discipline I write about didn't come from a textbook. It came from getting things wrong and having people willing to tell us why. I'll also give you a sneak peek inside the book, covering everything from niching down and estimating to culture, compliance, and quote-to-cash. It's about building a business that runs with the same discipline as the machines and has real value whether you ever sell it or not. Precision Manufacturing, Precision Business launches September 1, just before IMTS, at disciplinetoprofit.com. More than 50 people from the shows are quoted in it, and if you want a signed copy, come find me at the ProShop booth or the MakingChips booth in the South Hall. What's Covered in this Episode (0:00) I announce the book, and why the credit belongs to the metalworking nation (1:02) Why a book after more than 300 conversations across three podcasts (3:21) The premise behind "Precision Manufacturing, Precision Business" (4:19) What changes when you apply shop floor discipline to business processes (6:26) My journey in the industry, from Pro CNC to ProShop ERP, and podcasting (13:16) Part one: Why manufacturing is the hardest business in the world (16:37) Part two: The E-Myth, the Goal, and the machinist to owner gap (17:09) Part three: Sales as a system, niching down, and the riches in the niches (19:10) Part four: People, culture, growth ceilings, and compliance (21:03) Part five: Quote to cash, Top Shops, and building a business worth buying (23:11) Mitch Free on leadership and accountability outrunning technology (24:36) Who the book is for, the September 1st launch, and disciplinetoprofit.com Resources Mentioned Discipline to Profit Website  IMTS ProShop ERP The E-Myth by Michael Gerber The Goal by Eliyahu Goldratt Top Shops benchmarking program by Modern Machine Shop Connect with Paul Van Metre ProShop ERP Connect on LinkedIn Machine Shop Mastery MakingChips Manufacturing Transformed

Andy and Brendan jam together early on the heels of Brian Rolapp’s press conference at the Tour Championship in Atlanta to discuss the latest wave of news in the continued makeover of the PGA Tour. They cover the new year-end format -- a season finale stroke play event followed by TWO WEEKS of match play in what will be known as the Tour Championship. Did the Tour nail it? Can this really pop as a mixture of the World Cup and March Madness? They cover the risks and potential rewards for the fans as well as the Tour. Also discussed are the rounds of questions about LIV returnees, sponsor interest, and TV network deals. Then they get to the schedule for the week, where they take great amusement in having to suffer through TWO more Tour Championships of the old, dumpy model, now that news of the future model has been announced. News covers some cryptic instagramming from Bryson DeChambeau and if he’s actually gone from LIV following the expiration of his contract this past week. Beginner or scratch golfer, weekend warrior or tour hopeful—however you play, there's a Garmin device built for your game. Visit garmin.com to learn more. Potato chips are back! Our Potato Chip logo is on apparel, towels, headcovers, and more and they’re all available in the Pro Shop. Treat yourself and visit proshop.thefriedegg.com today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Six jobs waiting on a first article means six spindles sitting still. That is the math Mike lives with at Hill, running around 58 jobs a day where nearly every one needs an internal or external first article before parts can ship. When inspection becomes the constraint, good parts pile up behind paperwork, and paperwork does not make chips. This week we sat down with Mehul Shah, co-founder of Ground Control, a company building what he calls mission critical software for highly regulated manufacturing. His thesis is simple. Aerospace, defense, medical, and semiconductor shops are drowning in Excel and pen-and-paper workflows, not because the people are behind the times, but because software was never really built for the shop floor or for the weight of ITAR, DFARS, and CMMC. Ground Control started with one hairy, everyday problem: first article inspection reports. We get into how their software reads decades-old, hand-drawn prints that trip up ordinary OCR, balloons the drawing, fills out the AS9102, and pushes clean data straight into ProShop with a single click. It is the kind of automation that turns a shop's worst bottleneck into a task almost anyone on the team can run. We also talk about why now is the moment for this, from reshoring and record defense budgets to the labor math that says we cannot hire our way through the coming surge. Mehul shares how a 15-person team just earned FedRAMP certification, why AI lets them do the work of a company twice their size, and what their new contract review product does to catch a buyer's price change buried in a six-figure PO before it becomes a costly mistake. If your inspectors are your constraint and your smartest people are stuck on manual data entry, this one is for you. What's Covered in this Episode (1:02) Meet Mehul Shah, co-founder of Ground Control: Why Mehul chose manufacturing (5:20) Why manufacturing runs on Excel, and the real reason software never fit the shop floor (6:04) ITAR, DFARS, CMMC, CUI, and the infrastructure tax on regulated software (9:07) Mission critical software and the three tests Ground Control uses to pick a workflow (10:43) Invest in yourself first with ProShop ERP (12:19) Finding the wedge, and why first article inspection was the obvious first product (13:49) How first article really works at Hill, and why it becomes the daily bottleneck (15:53) Why the FAI is critical, process verification before you can ship and collect (16:35) Why now, defense budgets, the SpaceX IPO, the space race, and reshoring (18:29) LLMs let manufacturers build in-house, and when it still makes sense to buy (19:30) Build on standards and a solid data heartbeat, then augment with AI (21:07) A rocket ship, 200-plus customers in two years, including five public companies (22:18) Growing into demand and the hard part of turning down the wrong work (23:39) The seven habits of highly effective work holding with SMW Autoblok (24:22) Avoiding the solution looking for a problem, and how the idea took shape (25:53) Building GroundControl from the ground up and becoming compliant (28:07) The importance of trade shows and building in-person relationships (31:55) The story behind the name Ground Control (and a nod to Major Tom) (35:20) Turn AI buzzwords into outcomes at the IMTS Industrial AI Conference (36:06) Developing out the GroundControl software and finding their MVP (39:32) The ProShop integration: One click from ballooning to master process control (42:39) AI will not replace you, but the person using AI might (46:30) Introducing contract review and catching PO errors (49:37) The visitor check-in system (ITAR sign-in without the 20-year-old paper pad) (52:16) What Mehul is most excited about, FedRAMP, and the road to IMTS Resources Mentioned Ground Control ProShop ERP SMW Autoblok IMTS Industrial AI Conference Connect with Mehul Shah Connect with Mehul on LinkedIn GroundControl Connect with MakingChips Website On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Recorded live, this episode features Jeff Beck, President and CEO of Stabila, sharing insights from his 25-year career at DeWalt—where he managed a $930 million division—to leading a premier German-engineered hand tool brand. Jeff delivers a masterclass in premium brand positioning, detailing exactly why Stabila completely rejects big-box retailers like Home Depot and Lowe's to protect its price points and avoid business-ruining volume burdens.   He breaks down the realities of managing international trade, navigating recent tariff challenges through tactical price increases, and engineering an impressive April price rollback on products sourced out of China. Jeff also pulls back the curtain on Stabila's highly anticipated "Patriot Series" level set, revealing how his team collaborated with German manufacturing to move a major U.S. 250th anniversary product from concept to first production in just six weeks.  

Du greifst im Pro-Shop zum ersten Dutzend Bälle – und plötzlich prasseln Namen wie Pro V1, Chrome Soft und Tour X auf Dich ein, dazu Preise, die einen kurz schlucken lassen. Genau hier setzt Massimos Frage aus der Schweiz an: Braucht ein Anfänger wirklich den teuren Tourball, oder ist das rausgeworfenes Geld? Marcus und Christophe sprechen über Kompression, Spin und den entscheidenden Sound im kurzen Spiel – und warum der passende Ball sogar mit Deinem Kopf spielt. Was landet also am besten in Deiner Tasche?

Klein, aber wichtig: der Golfball Du greifst im Pro-Shop zum ersten Dutzend Bälle – und plötzlich prasseln Namen wie Pro V1, Chrome Soft und Tour X auf Dich ein, dazu Preise, die einen kurz schlucken lassen. Genau hier setzt Massimos Frage aus der Schweiz an: Braucht ein Anfänger wirklich den teuren Tourball, oder ist das rausgeworfenes Geld? Marcus und Christophe sprechen über Kompression, Spin und den entscheidenden Sound im kurzen Spiel – und warum der passende Ball sogar mit Deinem Kopf spielt. Was landet also am besten in Deiner Tasche? Sponsor der Folge Diese Folge wird ... Dieser Podcast wird vermarktet von der Podcastbude.www.podcastbu.de - Full-Service-Podcast-Agentur - Konzeption, Produktion, Vermarktung, Distribution und Hosting.Du möchtest deinen Podcast auch kostenlos hosten und damit Geld verdienen?Dann schaue auf www.kostenlos-hosten.de und informiere dich.Dort erhältst du alle Informationen zu unseren kostenlosen Podcast-Hosting-Angeboten. kostenlos-hosten.de ist ein Produkt der Podcastbude.

AI is going to be everywhere at IMTS this September, and if you walk the floor without a filter, it'll make your head spin. So we brought in someone whose whole job is helping manufacturers tell the real thing from the marketing fluff. Ryan Kelly, VP of Technology at AMT, joins us to break the noise into something usable. He walks through a simple way to sort every AI claim you'll see into three layers: the hyperscalers and cloud platforms laying the foundation, the AI native tools that couldn't have existed a few years ago, and the embedded AI features showing up as new buttons in the CAD, CAM, and ERP systems you already run. Then we get into physical AI, the part that actually matters for a machine shop. It's the loop that takes information from the physical world, lets an AI reason on it, and sends a decision back to the machine or the robot in close to real time. Nick's tool load monitoring, Paul's native machine monitoring in ProShop, Mike's managing 60 jobs a day by exception, they're all versions of the same idea. The catch is data. If the grammar of your data isn't good enough, the AI will hand you an answer you can't trust. Ryan also previews what AMT is building at the show: a new Industrial AI Arena with 32 exhibitors, a one day Industrial AI Conference focused on the factory floor instead of TED-talk futurism, and an Emerging Technology Center where, alongside Oak Ridge National Lab, they'll be making and flying drones right off the line. Three quadcopter models, a fresh one every couple of minutes, with the ability to change the design on a dime and ramp right back into production. Whether you're already wired up or still getting your data in order, there's something at IMTS for wherever you are on the journey. Take stock of your readiness before you go, bring your real problems to the vendors, and you'll come home with something you can use on Monday. That's making chips.   What's Covered in this Episode (0:00) Drones that fly themselves right off the assembly line (2:11) Ryan's back: the tariff comment that drew hundreds of responses (4:40) Boost spindle uptime without adding headcount with the Hennig Workflow (5:40) Meet Ryan Kelly of AMT, and why this year feels like AI-MTS (7:16) A filter for the floor: the three layers of AI at IMTS (11:42) Turn AI buzzwords into outcomes at the Industrial AI Conference at IMTS (12:30) How to shop for AI: bring your problem, not your intimidation (13:58) Inside the new Industrial AI Arena: 32 exhibitors and the ETC (17:15) Know your AI readiness before you walk the floor (19:41) Why it's worth seeing tech you're not ready for yet (21:37) Two frameworks: the data-to-application stack and the part lifecycle (23:13) Automation everywhere, and what physical AI actually means (27:14) The human body metaphor: sensors, feedback loops, and real-time decisions (31:52) The real challenge isn't robots, it's the data and its semantics (33:40) ProShop's machine monitoring: what people say vs what machines say (37:52) Reach true high end machining with DN Solutions (39:03) The two dangerous extremes: blindly trusting AI vs writing it off (40:48) Managing by exception: AI flags the few jobs that need you (42:44) Reflexive factories and capturing shop floor knowledge for AI (47:35) Inside the ETC: making and flying drones live with Oak Ridge National Lab (53:50) Register at IMTS.com and find us live in the Hennig booth (339133) Resources Mentioned Hennig Workflow Automation System DN Solutions Register for IMTS 2026 (September 14-19, Chicago) Connect with Ryan Kelly Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn AMT, The Association for Manufacturing Technology IMTS Connect with MakingChips Website On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

From the williams Broadcasting Studio join John Williams and golf Pro Shop owner from Harrison, Maine, Al Fitzmorris for "The 19th Hole" golf Podcast!

Dein Driver fühlt sich beim Abschlag irgendwie zu groß an – und dann siehst Du im Pro-Shop diesen kompakten Schlägerkopf mit der Aufschrift »Mini Driver«. Aber was ist das überhaupt? Ein verkleinerter Driver, ein aufgemotztes Holz 3 oder doch etwas ganz anderes? Und vor allem: Für wen ergibt so ein Schläger Sinn – und wann solltest Du ihn lieber im Regal stehen lassen? In dieser Folge sprechen wir darüber, wann der Mini-Driver zum unverzichtbaren Begleiter werden kann und wann ein klassisches Fairwayholz die bessere Wahl ist.

Was hat es mit diesen kleinen Drivern auf sich? Dein Driver fühlt sich beim Abschlag irgendwie zu groß an – und dann siehst Du im Pro-Shop diesen kompakten Schlägerkopf mit der Aufschrift »Mini Driver«. Aber was ist das überhaupt? Ein verkleinerter Driver, ein aufgemotztes Holz 3 oder doch etwas ganz anderes? Und vor allem: Für wen ergibt so ein Schläger Sinn – und wann solltest Du ihn lieber im Regal stehen lassen? In dieser Folge sprechen wir darüber, wann der Mini-Driver zum unverzichtbaren Begleiter werden kann und wann ein klassisches Fairwayholz die bessere Wahl ... Dieser Podcast wird vermarktet von der Podcastbude.www.podcastbu.de - Full-Service-Podcast-Agentur - Konzeption, Produktion, Vermarktung, Distribution und Hosting.Du möchtest deinen Podcast auch kostenlos hosten und damit Geld verdienen?Dann schaue auf www.kostenlos-hosten.de und informiere dich.Dort erhältst du alle Informationen zu unseren kostenlosen Podcast-Hosting-Angeboten. kostenlos-hosten.de ist ein Produkt der Podcastbude.

In this episode, we talk with Jeremy Coppock, CMP Talladega Marksmanship Park Clubhouse and Facilities Manager, about everything the park has to offer – from daily range activities to monthly matches, national-level competitions, clinics and more. We also take a look at the 2026 Talladega Premier Expo, Talladega's Pro Shop and other upcoming events. There's something for everyone at TMP!

When I sat down with Casimir Sienkiewicz (CAZ) from CazTek, I immediately connected with his story because it reminded me so much of the journeys so many shop owners go through. What started with a Bridgeport mill in a garage has evolved over the last 22 years into a growing engineering and precision machining company tackling everything from advanced prototypes to 5-axis machining, Swiss work, automation assemblies, and aerospace and medical projects. But what really stood out to me wasn't just the equipment or the growth. It was Casimir's mindset around creativity, problem-solving, and continuously evolving as a business owner. One of the themes throughout this conversation is how closely personal growth and business growth are tied together. Casimir talked openly about the realization that he had to stop trying to personally carry every responsibility inside the company if he wanted the business to scale. Like many entrepreneurs, he built the company through grit, technical skill, and sheer determination. But eventually, that approach created bottlenecks. Bringing in strong leaders, defining core values, implementing systems, and learning to trust his team became the next phase of growth for both him and the company. We also spent a lot of time talking about the intersection of engineering and manufacturing. CazTek isn't just a machine shop. Their team works through the entire product development lifecycle, from early concepts and mechanical engineering all the way through machining, assembly, testing, and production. That end-to-end visibility gives their employees a unique sense of purpose because they get to see how the products they design and manufacture actually impact the world, whether it's medical devices, aerospace hardware, or industrial systems. This episode is packed with lessons around scaling a manufacturing business, building the right culture, implementing systems like EOS, adopting new technology, and creating an organization that can grow sustainably. Casimir brings a thoughtful and honest perspective to the conversation, and I think listeners will really relate to the challenges, mistakes, and breakthroughs he shares along the way. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... (0:00) Introduction and the origins of CazTek's manufacturing journey (3:18) Overview of CazTek Engineering and CazTek Precision today (8:28) Learning manual machining, CNC setup, and programming at a young age (10:17) Landing in a manufacturing engineering technology program (11:36) Starting the business in a 400-square-foot garage with a Bridgeport mill (15:15) Hiring the first employee and moving out of the garage (16:58) Learn more about IMTS 2026 (and why you should join us) (17:51) Purchasing the first Haas VF-2 and launching the machine shop side (19:44) Expanding into 5-axis machining, turning, and Swiss machining (21:22) Balancing rapid prototyping work with outside contract machining (23:21) Growing through referrals, relationships, and word-of-mouth reputation (24:29) Building a true sales pipeline and moving beyond feast-or-famine growth (28:06) Recognizing personal limitations and bringing in experienced leaders to scale (29:56) Why we love SMW Autoblok workholding  (30:39) Learning to trust others and let go of operational control (34:04) How systems and delegation unlocked the next stage of growth (36:54) Challenges of investing time and resources into organizational growth (38:11) Implementing EOS and building systems for accountability and growth (39:53) Hiring the right personalities and getting people in the right seats (41:08) Why we created Hire MFG Leaders (and why you should use it) (42:04) Coaching employees into roles that fit their strengths (46:25) Building scalable processes and implementing tools like ProShop and Paperless Parts (49:19) Current growth challenges, operational bottlenecks, and scaling in parallel (51:33) Defining CazTek's core values and attracting mission-driven employees (57:03) Thoughts on manufacturing growth, automation, and staying resilient through market shifts Resources & People Mentioned Why you need to join us at IMTS 2026 Why we love SMW Autoblok workholding  The E-Myth Revisited Built to Sell EOS MN Precision Manufacturing Association  Connect with Casimir Sienkiewicz CazTek CazTek Precision Connect on LinkedIn Connect With Machine Shop Mastery The website LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Subscribe to Machine Shop Mastery on Apple, Spotify

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Join the Discord by subscribing on patreon - https://patreon.com/tapsandpatience Get Parts Made! - https://subtractmanufacturing.com-----In the 161st episode of the "Taps and Patience" podcast, AJ and Harrison discuss their experiences with internet issues in their shops and the challenges they face with manufacturing and production demands, including repairing a broken tap during machining. They also dive into customer relations and the importance of maintaining quality and reputation while navigating the complexities of quoting jobs and material management. Additionally, AJ shares updates on his new ERP software project aimed at improving inspection reporting and workflow processes, emphasizing the benefits of local efficiency over global market optimization.Links:https://github.com/AudacityMicro/AMERP-----Check out our Episode Sponsor:http://g28machining.com/Check out the hosts on Instagram:https://instagram.com/audacity_microhttps://instagram.com/precisioningenuity

When I sat down with Alex Mazerolle from Archer Precision, I thought I knew where the conversation was going. We were originally planning to talk about their ProShop journey and some of the operational improvements they've made along the way. What I didn't expect was to walk into a full-on masterclass in how to build a modern, high-performance machine shop. As Alex started sharing his perspective, it became clear pretty quickly that this wasn't just about software or systems. It was about vision. He's spent the last decade intentionally building a company that's transparent, disciplined, and designed to scale—what he calls a "glass box" instead of the traditional black box most shops operate in. What really stood out to me is how much of this comes down to mindset. Alex challenges a lot of the default thinking in our industry—the idea that the owner has to carry everything, that firefighting is just part of the job, or that growth naturally leads to chaos. Instead, he's built Archer around systems, clarity, and repeatability so the business doesn't depend on any one person, including himself. We also kept recording after the "official" episode ended, and honestly, that might be the most valuable part of the entire conversation. Alex opens up about the trap so many of us fall into as owners, what it takes to get out of it, and how he's thinking about building a team and a workforce for the future. If you're trying to build a shop that's not just busy, but truly valuable and sustainable, there's a lot in here worth paying attention to. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... (0:00) Why lack of clarity in work creates frustration—and how great shops eliminate it (3:21) Archer Precision overview and Alex's path from toolmaker to owner (9:49) The "black box" problem and the vision for a transparent "glass box" shop (12:43) Building (and abandoning) a custom ERP system the hard way (15:57) Discovering ProShop and shifting focus back to manufacturing (19:15) Check out the Hennig WorkFlow automated pallet delivery system (20:08) The process of implementing ProShop with Michael Collins (24:25) The wake-up call: realizing how little visibility existed inside the business (26:23) Transforming traceability, QA documentation, and customer communication (29:36) Simplifying certifications and audits through digital systems (34:20) ERP as the operating system for a scalable, high-performance shop (36:16) Why you need to come to IMTS 2026 in Chicago! (39:13) CJ Abraham's story of running a one-man shop with ProShop (42:16) How better systems reduce firefighting, stress, and improve culture (46:51) Standardizing processes to create consistency for customers and employees (51:20) Get a free report of sales opportunities in your area from Facturmfg.com/chips (52:25) Building a fully prepped shop floor with tooling, setups, and planning (56:33) Why doing the work upfront saves massive time downstream (57:44) Entering defense work and navigating CMMC requirements (1:02:43) Progress toward full transparency—and why it's worth the pain (1:10:39) The "superman owner" trap and why it eventually breaks (1:16:57) The cost of short-term heroics vs. long-term discipline (1:18:30) Solving the workforce gap with structured training and apprenticeships (1:20:53) Connecting education, career paths, and the future of manufacturing (1:27:01) A blueprint for building a valuable, enduring machine shop Resources & People Mentioned Check out the Hennig WorkFlow automated pallet delivery system Why you need to come to IMTS 2026 in Chicago! Get a free report of sales opportunities in your area from Facturmfg.com/chips BDC (Business Development Canada) The E-Myth Revisited CTMA Connect with Alex Mazerolle Connect with Alex Mazerolle on LinkedIn Archer Precision Connect With Machine Shop Mastery The website LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Subscribe to Machine Shop Mastery on Apple, Spotify

Join us this week as we are podcasting live at The Grass Pro Shop for the 420 event. We talk with shop owner Kai a.k.a Simpalglass and also catch up with the homie Kinky K of TOOHIGHTX. Tune in for a dope episode! Big shoutout to The Grass Pro Shop for letting us set up and do this. Go to the shop and mention the 9.56 ABV PODCAST and get 15% off your purchase. Follow the shop here: https://www.instagram.com/grassproshop956?igsh=a2lwNjZsNjRyc3A1 Shoutout to Kinky K and TOOHIGHTX. Follow everything Kinky K does here: https://www.instagram.com/kinkyk123?igsh=MTdiMGx0ZDJnc3pueQ== https://www.instagram.com/toohightx?igsh=MmRzYXk2a2R0MWxu

On this edition of Straight Up 5 With Todd McGill, Todd McGill and Rad Rob welcome the amazing Joe Conigliaro and Phil "Philly" Bosco from Custom Thumbz Pro Shop!Episode 190 brings you two guys who don't just work in the bowling industry; they've helped shape it. Joe Conigliaro and Phil “Philly” Bosco are the powerhouse team behind Custom Thumbz Pro Shop, located inside Maple Lanes in Rockville Centre, New York. A spot that's become a go-to destination for bowlers who are serious about their game. Joe, with over three decades of experience, is the innovator, the mind behind Custom Thumbz and patented grip systems that have changed the way bowlers think about feel and consistency. Phil is the backbone, the grinder who's overcome life's toughest battles, brings relentless work ethic to the shop, and helps keep everything running at a high level day in and day out. Together, they operate a shop known for its volume, precision, and reputation; where it's not uncommon to go hours without sitting down because of the demand.SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL :StraightUp5PodcastFollow us on Instagram, X, Facebook & TikTok :@straightup5podcastFollow the show on X :@straightup5podFollow Todd McGill on X and Instagram : @TMTBowlingFollow Rad Rob on X and Instagram :@radrobentertainmentBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/straight-up-5-with-todd-mcgill--4952849/support.

00:00-15:00: Camillus Golf Club's Jivi Govender/Ian Fisher chat about the season starting, why the golf and life experience is so good at Camillus, favorite holes, taking pride in a clean operation, new Callaway Golf gear in the Pro Shop, Jivi's Masters prediction and more. Sponsored by Camillus Golf Club. For more visit https://www.camillusgolfclub.com/. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What happens when a high-performance race shop decides to jump into aerospace and defense manufacturing — and goes all in? In this episode of Machine Shop Mastery, I sit down with Marty Moran of TKO Precision Machining and TKO Motorsports in Reno, Nevada. What started in 2008 as a motorsports-focused shop building custom race cars and high-end components evolved into a serious aerospace and defense manufacturing operation about eight years ago. Marty shares how the team leveraged deep motorsports and aerospace experience to enter defense manufacturing, earn AS9100 certification, and build a thriving 15-machine shop. But what stands out most isn't just their growth — it's their culture. Communication is constant. Training is intentional. Hiring is rigorous. And everyone is expected to succeed. We talk about workforce development, cross-training machinists into race crew roles, the realities of AS9100 compliance, building depth through mentorship, and the painful ERP lesson that ultimately led them to ProShop. Marty also shares why aerospace certification doesn't just open doors — it makes you a better shop. If you're trying to build a resilient, team-driven shop in today's manufacturing environment, this conversation is packed with insight. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... (0:00) Introducing Marty Moran and the origins of TKO Motorsports (2:18) How the business evolved from a race shop into contract machining (4:02) Launching TKO Precision Machining as a focused aerospace operation (6:05) Current shop size, equipment mix, and aerospace capabilities (9:40) How the motorsports division operates alongside contract machining (14:35) Integrating machinists into race team operations (19:10) Breaking into aerospace and defense manufacturing (22:40) Starting with prototype work to build long-term customers (25:05) Navigating ITAR and NIST 800-171 compliance (29:20) Revenue diversification between motorsports and defense work (32:05) Building culture through cross-training and accountability (36:10) Hiring philosophy and what TKO looks for in new employees (41:20) Peer-driven hiring process and extended evaluation periods (45:00) Developing operators into machinists through internal training (48:55) Measuring spindle utilization and operational efficiency (52:05) Communication rhythm and leadership accessibility (54:30) Lessons learned from ERP implementation and systems discipline (56:20) Advice for smaller shops on training, retention, and culture (58:00) Final reflections on teamwork and what's next for TKO Resources & People Mentioned Grow your top and bottom-line with CliftonLarsonAllen Why we love SMW Autoblok for workholding Mark your calendars and come see us at IMTS 2026 Connect with Marty Moran Connect on LinkedIn TKO Precision Machining Connect With Machine Shop Mastery The website LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Subscribe to Machine Shop Mastery on Apple, Spotify Audio Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK

What happens when a 26-year-old machine shop kid decides the real bottleneck in American manufacturing isn't machining—it's metal supply? In this episode, we sit down with Zane Hengsperger, founder and CEO of Knox Metals, to talk about building a modern service center powered by AI, automation, and software. Zane's mission is bold: supply every factory in America in under 24 hours at a fair, transparent price. Raised in his father's injection molding shop, Zane grew up on shop floors before pivoting into software, startups, and eventually reindustrialization. After publicly sharing his ideas online, Y Combinator reached out—and within 24 hours, he had funding and a flight to San Francisco. We explore what it takes to modernize the metals supply chain, the friction of accessing domestic mills, the realities of startup logistics, and why focusing exclusively on aluminum plate might be Knox's smartest strategic move yet. This is a conversation about speed, ownership, risk, and the future of American manufacturing—not just at the machine level, but across the entire supply chain. Segments (1:34) Introducing Zane Hengsperger and Knox Metals' mission (2:46) Growing up in a machine shop and learning manufacturing early (3:35) Paperless Parts ad — Secure AI for quoting (4:48) From software startup to reindustrialization (6:48) Early struggles gaining access to domestic mills (8:53) Why Knox is narrowing focus to aluminum plate (10:05) Instant quoting and automated cutting — what makes it different (11:30) Building a hybrid team: industry veterans + software talent (13:05) Potential integrations and vertical integration strategy (16:23) Team structure and rapid early growth (18:26) How Y Combinator found Zane — and funded Knox in 24 hours (20:59) Young founders, machine shop resurgence, and generational opportunity (25:00) How to attract young talent into manufacturing (27:05) MFG 2026 ad — Executive leadership event (29:48) The overlooked opportunities in manufacturing careers beyond the shop floor (30:59) Early lessons: building selection and trying to serve everyone (32:52) Why narrowing their focus created leverage (33:42) How Knox manages inventory, mills, and lead times (36:10) The massive aluminum block story (18,000+ pounds) (39:21) Mentorship, investors, and surrounding yourself with believers (41:46) YC's push into reindustrialization (45:50) Technology vs. tribal knowledge in rebuilding industry (47:24) Has age been an obstacle? Building trust over time (49:59) Biggest wins so far — stacking consistent progress (51:47) Expansion plans: LA, regional giga-factories, and automation (54:19) ProShop ad — Investing in your own shop first (55:56) Where to find Knox Metals and connect with Zane Resources mentioned on this episode NOX Metals  Connect with Zane on X and LinkedIn Zane@NoxMetals.co The Technological Republic  Y Combinator Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Taking over a family machine shop is never just a business decision. It's personal. In this episode of Machine Shop Mastery, I sit down with Nubia Perez of Gretna Machine Shop to talk about what it really means to carry a founder's legacy forward while finding the courage to lead in your own way. Nubia shares the origin story of Gretna Machine Shop, founded by her father after immigrating to the U.S. with little more than a suitcase and a trade. What began in a small garage evolved into a respected Houston-based precision machining company serving oil and gas, aerospace, and defense. But the journey wasn't linear, and it wasn't easy. After her father's health declined and he passed away shortly after Nubia joined the business, she was left to navigate leadership without the long runway many second-generation owners get. For nearly a decade, she focused on administration, growth initiatives, and diversification, without fully stepping into the role of CEO. Those years, which she candidly refers to as "the dark years," revealed a hard truth: the business didn't just need management, it needed vision. This conversation explores Nubia's transformation from reluctant successor to confident leader. We talk about imposter syndrome, EOS, values-based leadership, mindful manufacturing, and how culture changes when the stress comes from the work instead of the people. It's an honest, human story about growth, grief, responsibility, and learning to lead as yourself — not as a replica of the generation before you. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... (0:00) Why separating people from problems changes how teams handle stress (0:55) Introducing Nubia Perez and Gretna Machine Shop (3:01) A snapshot of Gretna today, including industries served and ownership structure (3:53) Gretna's founding and the early days in Houston (6:43) Nubia's career outside manufacturing and resisting the family business (7:51) Joining the shop, starting an MBA, and losing her father months later (10:43) Why you should check out the SMW Autoblok catalog (11:58) Growing up around the shop and parental expectations (13:36) Learning to love manufacturing and seeing the shop as a place of opportunity (17:27) The "dark years" after taking over without clear leadership or vision (18:26) Moving facilities and early efforts to professionalize the business (21:01) Realizing the business needed a true CEO, not just administrators (24:01) Stepping into leadership through observation, listening, and learning (25:47) How her father's health shaped Gretna's culture and focus on wellness (28:49) Mark your calendars and come see us at IMTS 2026! (29:45) Hiring, firing, and promoting based on values, not just performance (32:47) Diversifying beyond oil and gas into aerospace and defense (37:00) Using feedback loops to learn from both failures and wins (41:16) Lean thinking, operational waste, and continuous improvement in practice (44:07) Using EOS scorecards and Level 10 meetings to drive accountability (46:27) Turning metrics and root cause analysis into real action (48:42) How to get ProShop's guide to help you achieve on-time delivery  (50:11) Workforce development challenges and investing in apprenticeships (54:03) Building culture through shared routines and leadership team trust (57:28) Embracing authentic leadership and letting go of imposter syndrome (1:03:46) How to connect with Gretna Machine Shop and Nubia Perez Resources & People Mentioned Capital IDEA Houston NTMA  SMW Autoblok catalog IMTS 2026 ProShop's on-time delivery guide  Connect with Nubia Perez Connect on LinkedIn Gretna Machine Shop Connect With Machine Shop Mastery The website LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Subscribe to Machine Shop Mastery on Apple, Spotify Audio Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK

We're back with another episode of I Hate Golf It's Awesome from Olde English Trail Golf Club in Florence, South Carolina.This week we recap the 2026 PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Florida and discuss some new products coming to the Pro Shop in 2026.We also go over what golfers should be looking for in new equipment and what you should avoid.https://oetgc.com/

Most machine shops grow by adding capabilities, chasing new markets, and saying "yes" as often as possible. Forest City Gear took the opposite path — and built a 123-person company by doing it. In this episode of Machine Shop Mastery, I sit down with Kika Young, President of Forest City Gear, to unpack how extreme specialization became the company's competitive advantage. Instead of trying to be everything to everyone, Forest City Gear made the intentional decision to focus almost exclusively on one thing: high-precision, loose gears. That focus reshaped everything — from who they sell to, to how they price work, to how they think about growth. Kika shares the personal and professional story behind that strategy, including the weight of leading a multi-generation family business, navigating serious health challenges within her family, and nearly selling the company before deciding to commit fully to its future. Along the way, she explains why walking away from entire industries was one of the best decisions they ever made. This conversation is a deep dive into focus as a growth strategy. It challenges the idea that more capability automatically means more opportunity, and instead makes the case that saying "no" — clearly and consistently — can be the most powerful move a shop owner makes. If you're wrestling with how to grow without losing control, margin, or identity, this episode offers a clear, real-world example of what disciplined specialization actually looks like. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... (0:00) Introducing Forest City Gear and the idea of extreme specialization (2:00) A snapshot of the company today, including team size and what they do — and don't do (4:58) The origins of Forest City Gear and how the business first got started (7:44) Getting a firsthand look at the quality of SMW Autoblok workholding (9:30) Growing from a garage operation into a long-standing precision manufacturer (12:21) Kika's path into the family business and early exposure to leadership (16:00) Stepping into leadership and taking responsibility for the company's direction (18:02) Exploring the decision to pursue a sale — and why it ultimately didn't happen (21:02) Where the business stands today in terms of growth, scale, and ownership (24:23) What makes precision gear manufacturing fundamentally different from general machining (27:30) The core drivers behind Forest City Gear's long-term growth (29:59) Why the company intentionally avoids automotive work (32:16) Mark your calendars and register for IMTS 2026 (33:06) Customer diversification and how end markets are chosen (34:51) How sales and marketing work in a highly specialized niche (37:40) Channels that actually drive demand for precision gears (41:03) Understanding the true competitive landscape (42:36) Advertising in specialty magazines (45:25) Core values and how they show up on the shop floor (48:46) Hiring and retention in a specialized manufacturing environment (51:44) ProShop can help you achieve on-time delivery (52:55) The biggest challenges facing the business today (55:01) Leadership transparency during difficult years (57:35) How organizational structure evolved as the company grew (1:03:29) Advice for shop owners considering specialization as a growth strategy (1:06:24) Where to learn more about Forest City Gear Resources & People Mentioned Check out the SMW Autoblok catalog Mark your calendars and register for IMTS 2026 Your guide to achieving on-time delivery with ProShop ERP MPT Expo Gear Technology Gear Solutions Connect with Kika Young Forest City Gear Connect on LinkedIn

Join us this week as we sit with the homie SIMPALGLASS at his brand new shop GRASS PRO SHOP in Brownsville, Tx and talk about the new shop, being a new dad, getting signs and opportunities from the universe, he schools us on the difference between Delta-8 Delta-9 and THC-A, quality of glass and so much more! Follow SIMPALGLASS and GRASS PRO SHOP here: https://www.instagram.com/simpalglass/ https://www.instagram.com/grassproshop956/

Kicking off a new year often comes with big goals, bold plans, and fresh momentum. But before chasing what's next, we decided to slow down and focus on something more foundational: our core values. In this episode, we share the behind-the-scenes process of defining the values that will guide MakingChips through 2026 and beyond. With the help of Jim Mayer, we took the ideas, behaviors, and instincts that had shaped the brand for years and intentionally put words around them. We talk about why core values are more than slogans on a wall. When done right, they become filters for decisions, hiring, investments, partnerships, and even the content we create. We also challenge a common misconception: that shared values require everyone to think the same way. Instead, strong values allow for diversity of background, belief, and perspective while still pulling people in the same direction. Along the way, the conversation blends humor, honesty, and real-world examples from manufacturing shops that live their values every day. From having fun at work to taking responsibility seriously, we explore how culture, action, and consistency are deeply connected. Whether you're running a shop, leading a team, or building a brand, this episode offers both inspiration and a practical framework for defining values that actually get used, not ignored. It's a reset for the year and a reminder that intentional culture is never accidental. Segments (0:00) Work, play, and why loving what you do matters (3:37) Why we decided to define our core values intentionally (4:19) Mission versus values and how they work together (6:30) Why we decided to do this exercise (7:28) Join us at the 2026 IMTS Exhibitor Workshop (9:35) Why shared values don't require identical beliefs (11:09) What core values are not and why posters don't work (13:57) Dissecting aspirational versus practical values (16:05) The process we used to define our values (20:52) Value #1: Elevating our Metalworking Nation (22:33) Value #2: Being real, raw, and bold (23:17) Investing in ProShop is an investment in your business (25:25) Value #3: Action is the outcome: say it, do it, own it (27:56) Value #4: Serious about manufacturing, never too serious about ourselves (33:16) Value #5: Contagious energy and unstoppable passion (35:43) A practical framework for defining your own values (37:42) Why we created Hire MFG Leaders (and why you should use it) (38:51) Putting values to work in reviews, hiring, and decisions Resources mentioned on this episode Join us at the 2026 IMTS Exhibitor Workshop Invest in ProShop, invest in your business Check out Hire MFG Leaders for your next hire  Kyra Tillman of BTM Industries Connect with Jim Mayer to define your core values Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Some conversations feel scripted. This one… absolutely did not. Larry Robbins walked in ready to talk life, passion, family, culture, workholding, philosophy, and whatever else popped into his head — and somehow it all connected back to manufacturing. This episode of MakingChips is one of the most unhinged, hilarious, honest, and wisdom-packed conversations we've ever recorded. Larry has been in the industry for nearly 46 years, and he's collected enough stories, scars, and laughs for ten careers. From his father dragging him into the business ("long hair doesn't work here") to his famous explanation that SMW makes "magic hands," Larry blends humor and experience into lessons every shop owner needs to hear. His passion for the industry is unmatched — and his candor is even better. Throughout the episode, the crew dives into culture, leadership, lying (don't), modularity, flexibility, high-density workholding, predictable setups, financing equipment, and why you should stop crawling across a dollar to pick up a dime. Larry opens up about the future of manufacturing, warns against bad advice, and reminds everyone that machining touches every single thing in the world. If you're ready for an episode that's equal parts educational and unhinged in the best possible way, buckle up — Larry Robbins is in rare form. Segments (1:00) Larry's background, early failures, and the stories that shaped his approach to leadership (3:31) An investment in ProShop is an investment in your business (3:32) Culture, loving your work, and leadership lessons (5:07) Entering the family business, retirement humor, and long-term commitment (7:23) The reality of workplace culture, honesty, and handling difficult employees (10:02) Integrity, truth-telling, and early lessons on character (13:18) Appreciating machinists and the unseen parts of manufacturing (15:05) Workholding vs. cutting tools and why workholding matters more than people think (16:09) "Magic hands" — Larry's explanation of workholding for a 5-year-old (17:20) Workholding misconceptions and the cost of poor setups (19:00) Vendor trust, trying equipment, and choosing partnerships wisely (20:22) Setup reduction, rigidity vs. flexibility, and predictable processes (22:12) Cutting 12-hour setups and the value of internal vs. external setups (24:16) Why we love Phoenix Heat Treating for Outside Processing (25:24) Expensive machines + cheap vices = lost potential (27:26) Modular workholding, infinite adjustment, and the origins of the industry (29:18) When not to sell a customer — long-term trust over short-term gain (30:19) Why shops "don't know what they don't know" about proper workholding (31:58) Financing workholding and proving ROI to shop owners (33:09) Tooling certs and buying the solution, not just the machine (35:24) High-density workholding and maximizing machine real estate (37:12) Protecting customers from bad investments and the role of good vendors (38:01) The LEGO analogy and building reusable workholding systems (40:13) Trusting experts and using the right resources in decision-making (41:19) Grow your top and bottom line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) (41:57) Buzzwords like Industry 4.0 vs. solving real problems (43:49) Competing with global labor costs and running unattended (44:19) Extending the life of old machines with better processes (46:41) Universal truth: If you're not making chips, you're not making money  Resources mentioned on this episode Connect with Larry Robbins and SMW Autoblok An investment in ProShop is an investment in your business Why we love Phoenix Heat Treating for Outside Processing Grow your top and bottom line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) Smart Money Moves: Equipment Financing Tips with Ty Willis Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

In Episode 145 of the Bible Caddie Podcast, the guys unpack Philippians 4:2-9 and Paul's practical path to peace — peace with others and peace within. Paul addresses real conflict inside the Philippian church and gives clear instructions for how believers can pursue unity, humility, and reconciliation. He also explains how rejoicing in the Lord, reasonableness, prayer, and renewing our minds leads to deep inner peace that guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.This passage offers encouragement for anyone walking through relational conflict, anxiety, or an unsettled heart. If you want to understand Philippians 4:2-9 more clearly or grow in your daily pursuit of Christ, this episode provides helpful, biblical insight.Connect with Bible CaddieInstagram: @biblecaddieTikTok: @biblecaddieWebsite: biblecaddie.com (visit our Pro Shop or start a Featured Group)Podcast: Bible Caddie on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyYouTube: Bible Caddie

The Pro Shop's Dan Rapaport joins us to preview "The Skins Game" -- for which he'll be a commentator on along with Andrew Catalon and Colt Knost -- between Tommy Fleetwood, Shane Lowry, Keegan Bradley and Xander Schauffele. (Friday at 9am ET LIVE on Amazon Prime Video.) We also touch on recent renovations to Harbour Town Golf Links, what to expect from Panther National, Keegan's mindset as he faces two of his Ryder Cup foes, a format tweak to the Skins Game and a lot more.

Top Shops 2025 brought together the most innovative, forward-thinking leaders in manufacturing—and this year's gathering at the NASCAR Hall of Fame felt like stepping directly into the winners' circle. Surrounded by the energy of hundreds of top-tier manufacturers, we sat down with the four shops recognized as the crème de la crème in their categories: Technology, Shopfloor Technology, Business Strategy, and Human Resources. Together, these honorees represent what's possible when ambition meets execution. In this special episode of MakingChips, recorded live in Charlotte, we talk with each winner about the decisions, investments, philosophies, and people that drove their rise to the top. From multimachine pallet-tech automation and Swiss machining efficiency to bold equipment investments and workforce strategies that transform culture, each story reveals a different path to excellence. Yet all four shops share a mindset of curiosity, courage, and relentless improvement. Throughout these conversations, we explore how technology becomes a competitive advantage, how small teams can deliver massive output, why unconventional business strategies can pay off, and how employee-first leadership becomes the backbone of success. Every guest brings candor, humor, and real-world wisdom—showing that you don't become a Top Shop by accident. Whether you're just starting your Top Shops journey or are already benchmarking in the top percentile, you'll walk away from this episode energized, inspired, and equipped with ideas you can put into practice immediately. Because these shops aren't just winning awards—they're redefining what modern manufacturing looks like. Segments (0:48) Opening from the NASCAR Hall of Fame at Top Shops 2025 (1:28) What are the Top Shops award categories and how does the survey work? (2:19) Why investing in ProShop is an investment in your business (3:56) A conversation with Joey Jones on Aerotech Machining and their award (9:17) The details of Aerotech Machining's automation journey  (12:47) Introducing Jayme Rahz of Midway Swiss Turn and their shop floor practices award (15:03) When robotics become accessible and feasible for Midway Swiss Turn (18:59) How do you train new employees with no Swiss experience? (19:50) Staying niche instead of chasing high-volume work (22:02) Grow your top and bottom-line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) (22:40) Mike Bauer with Marathon Precision on winning the Business Strategy award  (25:13) Why Mike buys machines before having the work (his spiderweb method) (30:27) Machine count, headcount, and shop expansion history (31:40) Consolidating two businesses and retraining all employees (32:40) Allison Giddens joins the conversation and introduces Win-Tech (34:44) Implementing a 4×10 schedule and early challenges (37:23) Using the Top Shops survey for benchmarking and improvement (40:17) Building culture and partnering with local trade schools (41:22) Challenges in technical education and the need for better instructors (45:53) Why you should listen to the Lights Out podcast Resources mentioned on this episode Why investing in ProShop is an investment in your business Connect with Joey Jones with Aerotech Machining (Technology award) Introducing Jayme Rahz of Midway Swiss Turn and their shop floor practices award Grow your top and bottom-line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) Michael Bauer with Marathon Precision on winning the Business Strategy award  Allison Giddens joins the conversation and introduces Win-Tech Complete the 2026 Top Shops Survey and see us at Top Shops 2026! Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

In part two of our conversation with French powerhouse Paul Magnier of Soudal–Quick-Step — one of the brightest young stars in professional cycling — we dive deep into the art of sprinting.Paul pulls back the curtain on the final 1,000 meters: how to read chaos, trust the lead-out, and time the winning move.We dig into aero gains — from wind-tunnel insights and bar-width experiments to 56×11 gearing and 105–110 rpm cadence — and why he practices seated accelerations at 800–1,000 watts. He also unpacks the Wolfpack mentality that trades pressure for confidence.Paul shares how he mentally reset after a heavy crash, what separates good from great sprinters, and his race-day routine. Plus: his go-to Castelli kit — the Sanremo S8 speed suit, Perfetto, Gabba, and Gavia jackets for rough weather — and why Castelli's no-logo Pro Shop pieces have become a peloton secret.If you're chasing faster finishes in crits or road races, you'll love Paul's practical sprint training cues and energy-saving tactics.

When you walk into IMTS—the International Manufacturing Technology Show—it's easy to be awestruck by the machines, the energy, and the sheer scale. But few people realize just how much planning, logistics, and collaboration go into bringing that experience to life. In this episode of MakingChips, we sit down with Mark Kennedy, Senior Director of Exhibitions at AMT, to get a behind-the-scenes look at how the world's largest manufacturing trade show comes together. This conversation dives deep into the IMTS Exhibitor Workshop, a two-day event that helps exhibitors prepare for success long before the show floor opens. Mark explains how exhibitors—from first-timers to seasoned veterans—can maximize ROI, streamline operations, and turn their IMTS booth into a "Super Bowl moment" for their brand. From freight logistics and pavilion planning to marketing strategy and exhibitor education, Mark shares stories that reveal the incredible coordination required to transform McCormick Place into a million-square-foot hub of innovation. The hosts also share their own trade show experiences—from lessons learned the hard way to creative booth strategies like ProShop's "Ambassador Program." Whether you're an exhibitor, attendee, or simply curious about the manufacturing event that defines the industry every two years, this episode offers a rare look at what it takes to make IMTS happen—and how to make it count. Segments (1:00) Introducing guest Mark Kennedy and the importance of the IMTS Exhibitor Workshop (3:14) Grow your top and bottom-line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) (6:32) How IMTS continues to evolve — from pavilions to product sectors (8:20) Why IMTS is the "Super Bowl" for manufacturers (9:01) What separates the best exhibitors (habits of highly effective show teams) (9:52) Creative booth ideas that drive engagement (ProShop Ambassadors, Toolpath's cornhole concept) (13:46) Lessons for first-time exhibitors and the importance of detailed planning (14:51) Panel discussions and hearing directly from attendees (16:46) Check out SMW Autoblok's workholding catalog (18:00) The new executive track — teaching leaders how to measure ROI (19:07) Alternatives for those who can't attend: Regional "Spring Training" sessions (20:38) Why McCormick Place and in-person networking still matter (21:53) Understanding the E-Kit and saving money through early planning (23:35) Collaboration among competitors and shared learning on the show floor (24:32) Maximizing IMTS Plus and digital marketing before the show (25:33) Introducing the IMTS Exhibitor Workbook — your "playbook for ROI" (26:35) The importance of preparation (you can't wing IMTS like a football game) (30:30) The continuous improvement mindset and what's coming next for IMTS 2026 (31:29) Predicting the next big trend — AI as the "prom queen" of manufacturing (33:46) Why we created Hire MFG Leaders—and why you should use the service Resources mentioned on this episode Register for the IMTS Exhibitor Workshop Grow your top and bottom-line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) Check out SMW Autoblok's workholding catalog Why we created Hire MFG Leaders—and why you should use the service Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Every machine shop relies on outside processes—whether that's heat treating, plating, grinding, or coating. But every time a part leaves your building, your risk profile changes. Quality, timing, and accountability become harder to control. In this episode of MakingChips, the hosts sit down with Charlie Hushek, owner of Phoenix Heat Treating and a newly minted machine shop owner, to unpack what it really takes to manage outside processes like a pro. Charlie's experience on both sides of the fence—running a generational heat-treating company and now owning a machining operation—gives him a rare perspective on what separates smooth partnerships from painful ones. He shares the top mistakes shops make when sending parts out, how to build lasting vendor relationships, and how to turn your outside processes into a seamless extension of your own workflow. The conversation dives deep into practical strategies for planning, communication, and documentation, plus how to handle the inevitable hiccups along the way. From establishing fixed processes to verifying incoming and outgoing inspections, this episode equips manufacturing leaders with the tools they need to reduce risk, improve consistency, and strengthen their supplier relationships. If you've ever lost sleep waiting on a heat-treating order—or had a part fall off a truck—this one's for you. Segments (0:00) Highlights from the Automated Shop Conference and the rise of blue-collar value (3:40) Introducing Charlie Hushek, third-generation owner of Phoenix Heat Treating (5:00) The connection between automation, culture, and building value in acquisitions (7:09) Phoenix Heat Treating's transparency advantage: real-time client portal tracking (8:19) How each added process increases risk, scrap rate, and lead time (10:10) Real-world stories: when parts fall off trucks and lessons learned from it (11:26) Building relationships and setting expectations with outside vendors (12:57) Why “heat treat per print” isn't enough—clarity prevents costly mistakes (15:50) Inviting vendors to planning meetings to align early on risk and tolerance (17:45) The value of educating yourself about heat treating and other outsourced processes (18:27) Treating your vendors like partners—turn them into extensions of your shop (19:36) Relationship-building tips: tours, face-to-face meetings, and yes, donuts (20:31) Drill in on your workholding with SMW Autoblok (21:15) How clear documentation and fixed process numbers can save time and eliminate confusion (26:34) Using ERP systems like ProShop to manage outside processes and supplier specs (27:41) Why outgoing and incoming inspections are critical for accountability (28:57) Handling disputes over damage, missing parts, or quality issues (32:33) How ProShop automates documentation and visual tracking for outside operations (35:03) Liability and how heat treaters manage high-risk, high-value parts (38:28) The importance of empathy when resolving quality issues (39:57) Quoting faster: what information outside vendors need upfront (41:46) The “Hot Potato vs. Baton Pass” analogy—how to work as one unified team (43:40) Why relationship-building directly impacts quoting speed and quality priority (44:31) Eliminate risk by integrating your partners into your process  (46:41) Make sure you meet us at Top Shops 2025! Resources mentioned on this episode Phoenix Heat Treating's transparency advantage: real-time client portal tracking Drill in on your workholding with SMW Autoblok Get 20% off your Top Shops 2025 ticket with code MAK20 Connect with Charlie on LinkedIn  Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

At the heart of every successful machine shop isn't just the parts it produces—it's the experience it delivers to its clients. In this episode of MakingChips (part of our Machine Shop MBA series), we sit down with Andy Reinwald, President of Ripley Machine, to unpack what it really takes to deliver an excellent client experience in manufacturing. Andy shares his journey of stepping into leadership at a young age, navigating the challenges of declining sales, and transforming Ripley Machine into a recognized Top Shops award winner. His story proves that client experience doesn't happen by accident—it's built intentionally through systems, communication, and values that shape the culture of the entire shop. From implementing ISO and ProShop ERP, to instilling a daily rhythm of accountability and continuous improvement, Andy reveals the practical steps his team has taken to turn Ripley into a trusted partner for its customers. Along the way, he highlights how something as simple as quick communication—or as complex as restructuring internal systems—can make all the difference in retaining clients and earning their loyalty. Whether you're a seasoned shop owner or just starting out, this conversation will challenge you to look at your business through the lens of your customers. Because at the end of the day, consistency, transparency, and responsiveness aren't just “nice to have”—they are the foundation of growth and profitability. Segments (0:32) How Phoenix Heat Treating provides next-level transparency (2:18) Why client experience is the capstone of the Machine Shop MBA series (3:39) Introducing guest Andy Reinwald of Ripley Machine (5:00) Family business history, early days in the shop, and finding a passion for manufacturing (8:47) Becoming shop foreman at 19, buying the business at 21, and facing business challenges (12:11) Lessons learned: Poor customer experiences and the wake-up call (17:26) The values of transparency, accessibility, and responsiveness (20:00) Practical changes: communication, customer-specific notes, quoting with Paperless Parts, and implementing ProShop ERP (27:04) Investing in ProShop is an investment in your shop (28:39) The power of quick, honest communication and technology that supports it (35:05) Building culture: consistency, details that matter, and systems that allow Andy to step away (37:23) How Andy roots his business values on his faith (39:10) Going above and beyond for customers (42:38) How Andy hires according to a fit for his culture (44:54) Implementing daily drumbeat meetings and lean principles (50:04) Ripley Machine's Top Shops award journey and continuous improvement (55:42) Joins us at the Top Shops 2025 Conference in Charlotte, NC Resources mentioned on this episode Could Phoenix Heat Treating solve your bottleneck? Investing in ProShop is an investment in your shop Joins us at the Top Shops 2025 Conference in Charlotte, NC Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

In Part 2 of our conversation with certified lead auditor Jess Teasdake, we dig deeper into what it really takes to build an efficient, audit-ready quality management system (QMS). If you caught Part 1, you heard us talk through the big picture: certifications, audits, and what separates a good QMS from a bad one. This time, we're getting tactical. We're not just talking about passing an audit—we're talking about building a system that supports your team, reduces risk, and eliminates waste across your business. From risk registers and RPN scoring to digitizing your paperwork and planning with cross-functional teams, we cover the actual tools and habits that make quality real on the shop floor. Along the way, we share stories from our own shops—what's worked, what hasn't, and how integrated technology has changed the game. We've lived the paper-chasing, binder-filled chaos that too many shops call a QMS. And we've seen what happens when you replace it with a connected system that actually reflects how your shop runs day to day. If you're working toward certification—or just want to build a culture of quality that doesn't require heroics to maintain—this episode is your blueprint. Segments (0:26) Grow your top and bottom line with CLA (2:53) Recap of Part 1 + why efficient QMS design matters in regulated industries (3:33) Defining and mapping core processes from RFQ to shipment (6:23) Risk-based thinking: risk registers, RPN scoring, and real-world examples (9:11) Tracking and improving risk scores over time with team input (11:33) Cross-functional planning: involving machinists, programmers, and QA early (12:57) Ballooned drawings, IPCs, and quality planning before the job hits the floor (14:01) Integrated quality checkpoints: from receiving to signoffs and inspection (16:20) Why going paperless saves time and improves accuracy (17:56) Join us at Top Shops 2025! (18:51) Quality as a company-wide responsibility—not a department (21:12) Digital documentation strategy and collaboration tips (23:26) How to implement QMS step by step (26:55) Linking vs. integrating: what real QMS tech should do (29:50) Before & after ProShop: how integrated QMS changed our audit process (33:46) Certification myths: ISO, AS9100, and audit readiness every day (35:53) Why QMS should be built into your tech stack and team culture (38:07) Use Hire MFG Leaders to recruit the next level of talent Resources mentioned on this episode Machine Shop MBA: Planning for Precision Register for Top Shops 2025 now: Get 20% off with code: MAK20 Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

If you think quality management is just about passing audits, think again. In this episode of MakingChips, we're joined by Jess Teasdale—a true QMS expert and certified lead auditor in both AS9100 and ISO 13485—to break down what it really takes to build a world-class quality system. Whether you're running a two-person job shop or leading a growing operation aiming for medical or aerospace work, we consider this your QMS MBA. We dig into the purpose, process, and power of implementing a robust quality management system—from selecting the right registrar to defining your key processes and KPIs. Jess also shares why culture matters more than checklists, how leadership buy-in can make or break your success, and how tools like ProShop ERP can make audit day feel like just another Tuesday. This isn't just about earning a certificate. It's about building a business where quality is baked into how you operate—every single day. If you're trying to compete in regulated industries—or simply want to stop cleaning up preventable mistakes—this episode is your blueprint. Segments (0:00) “He's a real quality guy”: Dad jokes and introductions (1:12) Every day is audit day: Building a quality culture vs. chasing audits (4:24) Jess's background—from job shop QC to Raytheon to ProShop (9:27) What it takes to get certified as a lead auditor (11:03) Key differences between ISO 9001, AS9100, and ISO 13485 (12:27) Why regulated industry certifications are “table stakes” for growth (14:05) How certification shapes customer perception—and shop success (16:21) What a QMS really is (and why it's not just a binder) (17:42) The challenge of cultural adoption—from shop floor to CEO (22:30) Grow your top and bottom line with CLA  (23:05) The first steps: quality manual, key processes, and KPIs (26:18) Cross-functional teams vs. solo efforts—what works best (28:08) How grants and workforce programs can help fund your QMS journey (31:03) Lessons from a painful audit—and how ProShop changed everything (35:00) Choosing the right certification body (registrar) (39:35) Stage 1 vs. Stage 2 audits—what to expect (41:53) Nonconformances: OFIs, minors, majors, and 8Ds explained (45:47) Wrap-up and preview of Part 2: How to build a great QMS (48:20) Register for Top Shops 2025! Resources mentioned on this episode https://www.highqa.com/ Register for Top Shops 2025! Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

This is a live episode of Wedge Issues, our golf business series recorded at Callaway Clubhouse at The Open Championship this week at the Royal Portrush Golf Club. Niall Horan: One Direction star and co-founder of Modest Management Company is globally famous and deeply involved in the business of golf. Inci Mehmet: Former Ladies European Tour pro golfer, now a presenter of Sky Sports award winning golf coverage. Dan Rapaport: Golf journalist, broadcaster and content creator. Formerly Barstool Sports but now at Pro Shop with the Dan on Golf podcast.Ben Sharpe: President and Managing Director for Europe at Callaway Golf, leading figure in the business of golf. Huge thanks to the teams at Callaway and MSQ Sport and Entertainment for all their hard work putting this live show together. Unofficial Partner is the leading podcast for the business of sport. A mix of entertaining and thought provoking conversations with a who's who of the global industry. To join our community of listeners, sign up to the weekly UP Newsletter and follow us on Twitter and TikTok at @UnofficialPartnerWe publish two podcasts each week, on Tuesday and Friday. These are deep conversations with smart people from inside and outside sport. Our entire back catalogue of 400 sports business conversations are available free of charge here. Each pod is available by searching for ‘Unofficial Partner' on Apple, Spotify, Google, Stitcher and every podcast app. If you're interested in collaborating with Unofficial Partner to create one-off podcasts or series, you can reach us via the website.

Are you losing money before the job even hits the floor? If your quotes are based on outdated spreadsheets, rough guesses, or a “that's what we've always charged” mindset, you might be setting your shop up to fail—before the first chip falls. In this episode of the Machine Shop MBA series, we tackle one of the most common (and costly) problems in manufacturing: bad quoting. Mike shares lessons from five shop acquisitions—each one quoting the wrong way. Paul lays out a clear framework for cost modeling, from flat-rate estimating to activity-based precision. And Nick brings it all home with real-world strategies for walking away from unprofitable jobs and quoting with confidence. You'll learn how to: Break down your true cost per hour (and why most shops get it wrong) Quote faster and win better work Tie quoting to sales strategy and customer fit Eliminate jobs that quietly kill your margin Because quoting isn't just a math problem. It's a leadership decision—and the future of your shop depends on getting it right. Segments (0:00) Friday energy, name mispronunciations, and intro banter (1:01) Why ProShop can help you achieve on-time delivery (2:34) Common quoting mistakes usually stem from broken models (6:25) Scarcity mindset vs. abundance mindset in quoting decisions (7:45) The four cost buckets you need to understand (9:22) Estimating 101, 201, and 301: building smarter quoting systems (12:58) How automation changes the math (or does it…?) (16:20) Value-based pricing: how some shops quote with confidence and win (18:00) Customer transparency: when it helps, and when it hurts (19:50) Sales pressure and quoting leverage: why quoting ties back to marketing (21:05) Calculating machine rates: depreciation, utilization, and more (24:30) Overhead, tooling, scrap—when to include it, and how (25:22) Stay tuned for Top Shops 2025 registration!  (27:45) Quoting efficiency: Don't win everything—win smart (30:42) Win rates: Why 100% is a red flag, and 40% might be just right (34:20) Speed-to-quote: The biggest untapped quoting advantage (37:43) Don't forget to charge for review, prep, and inspection (39:32) Kill the losers: How to identify and eliminate unprofitable jobs (44:38) Use quoting as a filter for new customer relationships (46:15) Knowing your limits and stretching your niche (51:17) Recap and preview: How quoting connects to sales, strategy, and growth  (55:30) Grow your top and bottom line with CLA Resources mentioned on this episode ProShop can help you achieve on-time delivery Episode #73: A Recipe for Winning High-Volume Work Stay tuned for Top Shops 2025 registration!  Machine Rate Spreadsheet FedEx French Benefits Commercial Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

In this episode of Inside Golf Podcast, Andy sits down with Chad Munn, executive producer of Netflix's Full Swing, and owner Pro Shop to dive into the making of Full Swing Season Three. Andy and Chad discuss his intention for the new season, what he wanted to do differently from seasons one and two, and what his goal has been with the series. In the second half of the episode, Andy and Chad discuss the future of pro golf, golf's cultural moment, and how the PGA Tour can capitalize on this. Finally, Andy and Chad give their power rankings of the best golf courses in Los Angeles. Thanks for listening and subscribing to Inside Golf Podcast with Andy Lack, cheers!  BECOME AN INSIDER TODAY: https://www.insidesportsnetwork.com/becomeaninsider Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://inside-sports-network.beehiiv.com/subscribe join Betsperts Golf, with code INSIDEGOLF for 25% off: https://betspertsgolf.com/

In this episode of the Range Podcast, hosts Ricky Brule and Jake “Hollywood” Iverson discuss the latest updates from their archery pro shop, including the hiring of a new manager, product arrivals, and exciting partnerships.  They also share insights on operational challenges, plans for community engagement, and personal interests in hunting and archery.  The conversation highlights the dynamic nature of running a pro shop and the importance of staying connected with the local archery community. Takeaways The Pro Shop is gearing up for a soft opening in February. A new manager, Darrell Lego, has been hired to enhance operations. Product inventory is rapidly increasing with new brands and items. The hosts are excited about upcoming partnerships and promotions. Community engagement is a priority as they prepare for the opening. Operational challenges include managing a large volume of orders. The hosts are enthusiastic about the upcoming hunting season. Personal interests in hunting and archery are discussed. The importance of staying connected with the local archery community is emphasized. Plans for future episodes and topics are hinted at.  The Range Podcast is available on all major platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Video versions are also available on the Vapor Trail YouTube Channel and Wild TV. Enter Promo Code trp15 during checkout at www.vaportrailarchery.com to receive 15% off VTX Bowstrings and Branded Apparel. The Range Podcast is brought to you by Vapor Trail Archery and Stokerized Stabilizers. We are proud to be a part of the @sportsmens_empire network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A January tradition unlike any other, it's the latest installment of over-unders for the upcoming year in golf. The episode starts on a solemn note as Andy and Brendan discuss the ongoing fires in the Los Angeles area and sending positive thoughts to everyone in southern California. From there, the two discuss the ongoing reactions to TGL's opening night as Tuesday's ESPN ratings were stronger than many expected, drawing almost one million viewers. With a TGL match without Tiger or Rory managing a higher rating than Sunday at Kapalua, Andy wonders what happens if the simulator league continues to beat out early-season PGA Tour events. A listener emailed in her thoughts from an in-person experience at the SoFi Center, complete with her own Hammer flag (not delivered by FedEx). Pro Shop announced a new series of Creator Classics for 2025, prompting Andy and Brendan to wonder whether YouTube golf is a more viable career path than being a Minor League Tour player. Meanwhile, there is non-screen golf being played this week at the Sony Open. Ben Griffin was leading at the time of recording and Brendan learns about Griffin's budding TikTok stardom. This week's field has Ryan Palmer and Brandt Snedeker playing on career money exemptions, leading Andy down the path of another rant about the PGA Tour and its fields. Webb Simpson is also at the Sony and he had some interesting quotes about his 2024 season that was full of exemptions into Signature Events. The episode wraps with an energetic over-under segment, as Andy, Brendan, and PJ make picks for 2025. Will a LIV golfer win another major? Is Bethpage going to be close? How many starts for Blockie in 2025? All of these questions are answered, and more!