Lights Out

In this special episode of MakingChips, we reflect on our favorite moments of 2024—the ones that made us laugh, the ones that brought a tear to our eyes, and the ones that remind us why we’re so proud to be part of the manufacturing community. We dive into the topics that matter most: ⚙️ How to transfer tribal knowledge to the next generation ⚙️ Why implementing AI isn’t just an option anymore—it’s a competitive edge for the future ⚙️ How building a culture of care and support can transform your team and your business ⚙️ The incredible ripple effect of manufacturing: creating stability for our country, our communities, and our families ⚙️ The importance of managing vendor relationships for long-term success ⚙️ What it means to lead with integrity, trust, and purpose in a fast-changing world You’ll also get an inside look at each show in the MakingChips family, hear some exciting announcements, and discover what’s next for MakingChips. Let’s celebrate the wins, embrace the challenges, and look ahead to an even brighter future 🍻 What are you grateful for in 2024? What are you looking forward to? We want to know! 👇 Mike Payne Jason Zenger 🎤💥 Nick Goellner Jason Zenger 🎤💥 Jennifer Dubose Matthew Nix Casey Voelker

🎉 I’m thrilled to share that a new episode of Buy the Numbers that just released this morning! I had the pleasure of sitting down with my good friend and banker, Jace Dawson, to discuss how manufacturing businesses can effectively manage cash flow, secure financing, and grow strategically by leveraging traditional banking solutions. 💼💡 Manufacturing is an incredibly capital-intensive industry, and managing cash flow is not just critical to success—it’s essential for survival! Whether you’re navigating equipment purchases, labor costs, or long payment terms, the right financial strategies can make all the difference for your manufacturing business. 🎧 Tune in on your favorite podcast player and don’t forget to follow, rate, and review if you enjoy it! Your support and feedback mean a lot to me! #BuyTheNumbers #GrowingValue #DataDrivenDecisions #NumbersMatter #MFGLeader #MakingChips MakingChips MakingSparks Machine Shop Mastery Lights Out Jason Zenger 🎤💥 Nick Goellner Paul Van Metre Matthew Nix Casey Voelker Jennifer Dubose

📣 New Episode: The Cashflow Advantage—Why the Right Banker Makes All the Difference In the latest episode of Buy the Numbers, I sit down with Jace Dawson, Commercial Regional Executive for Simmons Bank, to uncover how manufacturing leaders can: ✔️ Manage cashflow effectively ✔️ Secure financing tailored to their needs ✔️ Leverage traditional banking solutions for strategic growth Because, ultimately, 💵 Cashflow is the lifeblood of any shop 🔥 Whether you’re navigating equipment purchases, labor costs, or long payment terms, having the right banker in your corner can be a game-changer. We discuss: ✅ The advantages of traditional banking vs. independent financing ✅ How treasury management tools can streamline payables and receivables ✅ Why a revolving line of credit can transform your working capital 🔗 Listen now to discover practical strategies to ensure your shop thrives in a competitive market 👇 Let’s make cashflow work for you 💪 Mike Payne Jason Zenger 🎤💥Nick Goellner Paul Van Metre Jennifer Dubose #Manufacturing #Cashflow #BusinessFinance #BankingSolutions #Podcast #BuyTheNumbers #MakingChips

🎙️ Why should you care about MakingChips turning 10? Because it has played a pivotal role in shaping an industry and countless careers, including mine. Jason Zenger 🎤💥, Nick Goellner, and Jim Carr started something truly special. They created a platform that has not only equipped and inspired countless manufacturing professionals but also fostered a vibrant community of like-minded individuals. I still remember when I first stumbled upon MakingChips. Having just acquired Hill Manufacturing & Fabrication and coming from the private equity world, I was desperate to learn everything I could about the manufacturing industry. I had heard of podcasts but had never listened to one. Enter Jason, Nick, and Jim! I quickly binged about 100 episodes in just a few months, gaining invaluable knowledge about the #MetalworkingNation. Their insights and passion for manufacturing resonated with me, and little did I know, this was the beginning of a journey that would lead me to become part of this amazing family. 🎧 Fast forward a few months, and I was introduced to Paul Van Metre and ProShop ERP on an episode...this lee to a decision that literally changed the trajectory of my career in manufacturing. A few years later, I had the pleasure of meeting Matthew Nix and Casey Voelker. Now, with Jennifer Dubose on the team, the journey continues. The countless people I've met through MakingChips have become some of my closest friends...true friends, not just work colleagues! 💙 Now, I’m thoroughly immersed in all that MakingChips stands for. The knowledge I've gained and the connections I've made through this community have been invaluable. Thank you, Jason, Nick, and Jim, for your vision and dedication. You built not just a podcast, but a home for all of us in the manufacturing sector. Here’s to the next 10 years of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning! 💪 💬 Do you have a favorite moment or episode from MakingChips? 👇 Buy the Numbers Lights Out Machine Shop Mastery MakingSparks #MakingChips #10YearAnniversary #ManufacturingCommunity #Gratitude #Innovation #PodcastFamily #BuyTheNumbers #Finance #Manufacturing #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth

10 Years?! MakingChips has been equipping and inspiring the metalworking nation for 10 years 🎉 👏 🔥 You’ll hear some of the many ways we’re celebrating our 10 years of podcasting over the next few weeks… But let’s celebrate today 🥳 Let us know—what was your favorite moment from the last 10 years of MakingChips? 👇 👉 Bonus points if you go back and listen to something from 2014 😉 Jason Zenger 🎤💥Nick Goellner Mike Payne Paul Van Metre Casey Voelker Matthew Nix #MakingChips #MakingSparks #LightsOut #BuyTheNumbers #MetalworkingNation #ManufacturingLeaders #Manufacturing

🚨 Customer service outsells sales... Customer service in manufacturing has long been seen as a necessary evil—a pain point, not a differentiator. But here’s the truth: it can be your competitive edge. We’ve all endured companies like Comcast—endless transfers, impossible cancellations, and the sinking feeling of being just another number. Sadly, many manufacturing shops still operate with a similar “you’ll get it when you get it” mindset. The problem? That approach no longer cuts it. Today’s customers demand more. The shops that are thriving are the ones investing in systems, processes, and a culture that prioritizes exceptional service. Proactive communication, real-time updates, and transparency aren’t just nice-to-haves—they’re must-haves. The future of manufacturing belongs to those who prioritize service. Are you ready to step up? 👊 Learn what you can do to differentiate in episode #442 of MakingChips. ProShop ERP Paul Van Metre Jason Zenger 🎤💥 Mike Payne Nick Goellner

📣 NEW EPISODE 🔥 When it comes to automation, trust must extend beyond the salesperson’s confidence in the product—it must also be established with the customer. Helping customers maximize the efficiency of their current equipment before introducing new technology is a critical step. This approach builds trust and ensures that automation solutions add genuine value. Wade Anderson points out that making the customer the best they can be has to be step one. If you sell them a new machine and they realize they only needed a process change, you’ve lost their trust and added no value. How do you build trust with your customers? Let me know in the comments👇 Nick Goellner Mike Payne Jason Zenger 🎤💥 Paul Van Metre Matthew Nix Casey Voelker

🚀 The Future of Automation: Are You Ready? Automation is changing everything in manufacturing—from how we design machines to how we sell and service them. As technology evolves, here’s what you can expect: ✅ Machine Design Shifts: Lighter, faster cuts, rapid changeovers, and robot-friendly features like side-door access will become the new norm. Pallet delivery systems? Soon, they won’t be optional—they’ll be standard. 🤖 AI and Additive Manufacturing: These aren’t just buzzwords anymore. They’re reshaping priorities, even for smaller shops planning to run lights-out. 💡 Sales Strategies Must Adapt: Success in automation starts with trust. Helping customers optimize their current processes, not just selling new machines, is the key to long-term value. 🛠️ Evolving Service Needs: Service and application engineers must get comfortable with automation—quickly. Younger talent, raised with robotics, will lead the way, blending skillsets for a seamless future. The industry is at a turning point. The question is: are you ready to rethink, retool, and rise with it? 💬 Share your thoughts below 👇 Nick Goellner Wade Anderson Steve DeGrasse, CMTSE Jason Zenger 🎤💥 Mike Payne Paul Van Metre #LightsOut #Manufacturing #MetalworkingNation #Automation #FutureOfWork #TrustAndInnovation #MakingChips

📣 TOMORROW a NEW episode of Lights Out drops 🎤 Wade Anderson—the VP of Engineering and Automation at Okuma—joins us to look at how automation is transforming the manufacturing landscape. Wade explains how maximizing a customer’s current capabilities builds the foundation for introducing transformative automation solutions. This conversation isn’t just about technology—it’s about people. We'll explore how sales strategies, compensation plans, and service roles must evolve to meet the demands of an automation-driven world. Fostering collaboration between sales professionals and engineers is critical for success and how the next generation of talent, raised with robotics, will lead the way. Packed with real-world insights and forward-thinking strategies, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the future of manufacturing. Subscribe now and stay tuned tomorrow—Don’t miss their candid take on what it takes to build trust and drive innovation in a rapidly changing industry. #LightsOut #Automation #MakingChips #Robotics #Manufacturing #MetalworkingNation #ManufacturingLeaders Nick Goellner Steve DeGrasse, CMTSE Jason Zenger 🎤💥Paul Van Metre Mike Payne Jennifer Dubose

💰 Buying equipment? Don’t let the numbers trip you up! On the latest Buy the Numbers, Ty Willis breaks it down: ✅ Cash vs. financing ✅ Independent financing vs. traditional banking 💡 Learn how to keep cash flowing and business growing. 👉 Link: https://lnkd.in/gUZR5VZM. Don’t miss this one! Or subscribe on your favorite podcast platform! #GrowingValue #DataDrivenDecisions #NumbersMatter #MFGLeader #MakingChips MakingChips MakingSparks Machine Shop Mastery Lights Out Jason Zenger 🎤💥 Nick Goellner Paul Van Metre Matthew Nix Casey Voelker Jennifer Dubose