Buy the Numbers (Mike Payne)
Explore every episode of Buy the Numbers
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
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| 16 Jan 2025 | Manufacturing Grants Made Simple: Expert Tips from Micki Vandeloo, Ep #8 | 00:47:36 | |
Did you know you could be leaving tens—or even hundreds—of thousands of dollars on the table every year? Most manufacturers don’t realize the incredible potential of grants to fund new projects, invest in equipment, and upskill their workforce. In this episode of Buy the Numbers, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about manufacturing grants, with insights from Micki Vandeloo, a seasoned expert who has helped manufacturers secure over $185 million in funding. Micki’s journey from 25 years in manufacturing to running her own grant-writing business is inspiring. In this episode, she shares how she went from securing $600,000 for her company to building a team dedicated to helping businesses unlock grant funding. Whether you're just starting your search or looking to maximize your opportunities, Micki outlines actionable steps and key tips to navigate the grant process. You’ll learn:
If you’ve ever wondered how to make grant funding work for your business, this is the episode you don’t want to miss. Tune in to discover how you can tap into grants to grow, innovate, and secure the future of your manufacturing business. Don’t let this money go unused. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
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| 31 Oct 2024 | From Acquisition to Exit: The MFG Journey with Mike Fritz, Ep #2 | 00:37:54 | |
Curious about buying, building, or selling a machine shop? In this episode of Buy the Numbers, Investor and CNC Machine Shop Owner Mike Fritz breaks down his strategies for structuring deals, increasing business value, and overcoming the challenges of acquisition. Mike also drops actionable insights on how to position your company for sale, maximize cash flow, and decouple the business from owner dependency to attract buyers—and increase your multiple. Whether you're considering entering the world of manufacturing or looking to optimize your existing business, this episode offers expert advice on navigating this industry. Tune in to discover practical steps you can take today to grow, sell, or acquire a business. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
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| 02 Jan 2025 | Josh McKain’s Data-Driven Framework to Align Goals and Accountability, Ep #7 | 00:37:36 | |
On this episode of Buy the Numbers, I sit down with Josh McKain to talk about his 3.5-step framework—the process he uses to help companies turn their goals into results. Josh shares how he starts every project by aligning teams, often uncovering surprising gaps in understanding. From there, his framework guides teams through assessing their capacity, building a strategic roadmap, and staying on track with regular check-ins—the “half-step” that keeps everyone aligned. We also explore the importance of tracking the right KPIs. Overloading your team with metrics can create confusion and dilute focus. Instead, Josh recommends identifying 3–5 key metrics that truly drive success and making sure every team member understands how their work impacts those goals. Whether it’s coaching your team with data, staying agile in the face of challenges, or gamifying progress to boost performance, Josh’s insights are packed with actionable advice. Tune in to learn how you can set your team up for measurable success. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
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| 03 Apr 2025 | The Art and Science of Buying Machines: How to Choose the Right Equipment (And When), Ep #14 | 00:53:17 | |
This conversation will transform how you think about machine tool investments. Keith Granno, a seasoned expert with over three decades of experience in the machine tool industry, offers invaluable insights on the delicate balance between machine selection and long-term profitability. From choosing the right machines to understanding when it's time to upgrade, Keith dives into the critical factors manufacturers often overlook when purchasing new equipment. You'll hear practical advice on how to evaluate your shop's real needs, focusing on the hidden costs that impact your bottom line, such as tooling, automation, and machine maintenance. Keith emphasizes the importance of buying with an eye on the future, knowing when to act, and what to consider before pulling the trigger on a purchase. With Keith’s guidance, you'll gain a clearer understanding of not just how to acquire equipment but how to make sure that equipment serves your growing business for years to come. This episode is more than just a discussion on what to buy—it's about how to make smarter, data-driven decisions that will pay off in the long run. Whether you’re considering a new machine, evaluating the performance of your current assets, or trying to optimize your workflow with automation, you’ll walk away with actionable strategies that can elevate your operations and profits. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
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| 05 Dec 2024 | Smart Money Moves: Equipment Financing Tips with Ty Willis, Ep #5 | 00:48:34 | |
When it comes to purchasing machinery, the decision isn’t always as simple as cash or financing—it’s a strategic move that can shape the future of your business. In this episode of Buy the Numbers, Ty Willis joins me to break down equipment financing, Section 179 tax benefits, and how to make smart purchasing decisions. Should you leverage financing to preserve cash flow or invest upfront for incremental growth? Ty dives into these questions, exploring how diverse lending strategies and tools like equipment finance agreements can help you maximize ROI without overextending your business. We’ll also discuss common pitfalls, like buying equipment for depreciation alone, and why Section 179 should complement a smart decision—not drive it. Whether you’re expanding operations, upgrading technology, or testing new markets, Ty’s expert insights will help you weigh the tax, financial, and growth implications of your next big move. Tune in for actionable advice to keep your business growing strategically! You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
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| 17 Oct 2024 | Master Data-Driven Decision-Making with Greg McHale of Datanomix, Ep #1 | 00:45:19 | |
Manufacturing isn’t just about making parts—it’s about making smarter, data-driven decisions. In the first episode of Buy the Numbers, Greg McHale, founder and CEO of Datanomix, shares how real-time production data can unlock efficiency and profitability. Drawing from his background in enterprise analytics, Greg offers practical insights on using machine and ERP data to align manufacturing operations with business goals, boost machine utilization, and avoid decision paralysis. Are your operations truly efficient, or are outdated assumptions costing you profits? Greg dives deep into strategies for creating capacity without adding headcount and reveals how AI can complement—not complicate—manufacturing. Whether you’re struggling with labor shortages or looking to hit revenue targets, this episode delivers actionable takeaways to help transform raw data into meaningful results. Don’t miss out—listen now and discover how smarter data can drive your next big success. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
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| 20 Mar 2025 | Scaling Success: Managing Growth Through Data and Culture, Ep #13 | 01:00:09 | |
In today’s episode of Buy the Numbers, we’re diving into the key metrics that help a company scale successfully. Growth can be both exhilarating and overwhelming, especially when you’re managing multiple locations and divisions. How do you ensure that each part of your business is operating smoothly while also keeping a strong grip on the culture and values that made your company successful in the first place? Our guest, Matthew Nix, shares how his company navigated these challenges and the data-driven strategies they’ve implemented to manage growth effectively. Matthew Nix, the fifth-generation CEO of Nix Companies, discusses the importance of establishing clear metrics and systems for tracking daily operations. From staffing levels to production capacity and morale, Matthew highlights how small, consistent data points can give a real-time snapshot of a business's health. He also shares the shift from tracking data merely for analysis to using it as a tool for action and decision-making. One of the major themes in this episode is how to balance growth with maintaining a positive culture. Matthew explains how they’ve used feedback loops and regular check-ins to keep track of their employees' engagement and morale. He also shares insight into how they've systematized their operations to manage multiple business units under one umbrella, making it easier to identify issues early on and take corrective actions before they become larger problems. Whether you're running a small shop or a multi-location operation, this episode will give you practical takeaways on how to implement simple, yet effective data-driven systems that help you manage growth while maintaining a focus on your culture and values. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
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| 20 Feb 2025 | Diving into R&D Credits, Entity Selection, and the Work Opportunity Credit, Ep #11 | 00:31:27 | |
What if you could save thousands on your taxes with a few strategic changes to your business? In this episode, Nick Romanelli and Dylan Valentyn from Clifton Larson Allen share key tax strategies that many manufacturers overlook. We dive into the R&D tax credit, showing how manufacturers—whether small job shops or larger factories—can qualify by innovating in ways they may not have considered, such as improving products, developing new processes, or creating prototypes. By documenting these activities and tracking time and materials, manufacturers can unlock valuable credits that could significantly boost their bottom line. We also explore the impact of the Section 174 rules, which now require manufacturers to capitalize and amortize research expenses over several years rather than expensing them immediately. While this change can affect cash flow, the R&D tax credit offers relief by providing a dollar-for-dollar reduction in tax liability. Nick and Dylan explain how to navigate these changes and ensure manufacturers are maximizing their R&D claims. Next, we discuss the critical decision of entity selection—LLC, S Corp, or C Corp. Nick and Dylan break down the advantages and disadvantages of each structure, and how making the right choice can lower your tax burden, attract investment, and set up your business for long-term success. Finally, we introduce the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), a valuable but often overlooked tax benefit for manufacturers who hire employees from groups facing employment barriers, such as veterans or long-term unemployed individuals. Tune in to discover how these tax strategies can save you money and help your manufacturing business thrive, plus a look at what tax changes to watch for in 2025. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
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| 18 Nov 2024 | Family, Legacy, and Leadership: Navigating a Family-Owned Business with Nicole Wolter, Ep #3 | 00:24:03 | |
Nicole Wolter is the President & CEO of HM Manufacturing. Most of you are probably familiar with her name—and for good reason. She is an industry powerhouse. In this episode of Buy the Numbers, she takes us on a raw and insightful journey through the trials, triumphs, and tough conversations that define her experience as the second-generation leader of a manufacturing company. Nicole opens up about starting in the business with no industry knowledge, earning her father’s trust, and navigating the generational clash of leadership styles. From boardroom debates to personal sacrifices, she shares what it takes to thrive in a business where passion, family, and responsibility are intertwined. But that’s just the beginning. As a fierce advocate for small manufacturers, Nicole reveals how she’s fought to give businesses like hers a voice in a landscape dominated by corporate giants. Whether shaping policy at the federal level, representing small businesses on a national stage, or fighting to keep her company resilient in the face of industry-wide challenges, Nicole’s story is one of grit, advocacy, and perseverance. How do you navigate family dynamics when the founder can’t quite let go? How do you balance personal ambition with the weight of carrying a legacy? And what does it mean to truly love your business when it’s not your first passion? Nicole doesn’t shy away from the hard questions—and neither should you. Listen in to explore the unique challenges and rewards of running a family-owned manufacturing business and the lessons that extend far beyond the factory floor. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
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| 06 Mar 2025 | Banking Secrets for Manufacturers: How to Secure the Cash You Need, Ep #12 | 00:48:52 | |
How do you secure the cash you need to run your manufacturing business? In this episode of Buy the Numbers, I sit down with Dan O'Keefe, Senior Vice President at Busey Bank, to explore the crucial steps in securing a line of credit for your business. If you’re a manufacturer looking for financing, this episode is packed with essential advice on how to prepare. We walk through the specific financial documents you need to have in order when applying for a line of credit, from profit and loss statements to accounts receivable aging reports. Dan explains what banks are looking for and why these documents are key to getting approved. Beyond just having the right documents, we discuss how to make your business more attractive to banks. Dan shares insights into what banks want to see in your financials, such as strong cash flow, solid inventory management, and the ability to manage receivables. We also dive into the importance of building a strong relationship with your banker. A solid connection can help smooth the process, ensuring that your banker understands your business and your specific needs for credit. Whether you're applying for your first line of credit or expanding an existing one, this episode will give you the tools you need to successfully navigate the application process and secure the capital to grow your business. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
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| 13 Feb 2025 | Unlocking Tax Savings: Essential Strategies You Can Implement Immediately, Ep #10 | 00:32:56 | |
What can you do to impact your tax liability for 2024? With tax season right around the corner, manufacturers are faced with the crucial task of optimizing their tax strategies to both reduce liabilities and unlock future growth potential. In part one of a two-part series, I sat down with tax experts Dylan Valentyn and Nick Romanelli from CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) to explore the critical tax-saving opportunities that could significantly improve cash flow and business sustainability—for 2024 and beyond. We kick off with a discussion on tax planning, particularly focusing on strategies for deferring taxes and accelerating deductions. Dylan and Nick emphasize how businesses can free up valuable cash flow through smart deferral tactics, such as depreciation, and how this can be reinvested to fuel future growth. They also dive into the importance of working closely with your accountant to ensure that tax strategies are aligned with the business’s long-term goals, especially when planning for 2025. One of the key strategies explored is reviewing capital expenditures and utilizing powerful tax-saving tools like Section 179 deductions, bonus depreciation, and cost segregation studies. Dylan and Nick explain how these methods can offer immediate tax relief and boost cash flow—saving manufacturers substantial amounts in taxes. Dylan and Nick also unravel common misconceptions about taxes in the manufacturing sector. They break down the importance of inventory accounting methods (FIFO vs. LIFO), offer insights into managing capital purchases, and provide guidance on how to navigate complex tax decisions that can make or break a business’s financial performance. This episode is packed with information you can employ to make a difference right now. Don’t miss it. STAY TUNED: In the next episode, the team will dive even deeper into advanced strategies that focus on long-term tax planning. It will be can’t-miss in-depth advice that could help unlock your business’s full financial potential. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
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| 19 Dec 2024 | The Cashflow Advantage: Why the Right Banker Makes All the Difference, Ep #6 | 00:42:37 | |
“A good banker understands your business’s financial picture. They understand your balance sheet. They understand what your cashflow looks like. They have an understanding of what your needs are.” In this episode, I sit down with Jace Dawson—the Commercial Regional Executive for Simmons Bank—to explore how manufacturing businesses can manage cashflow, secure financing, and grow strategically by leveraging traditional banking solutions. Cashflow is the lifeblood of any shop, and understanding your operating cycle is critical to ensuring your business stays competitive and solvent. We discuss the advantages of traditional banking over independent financing, how treasury management tools can streamline payables and receivables, and why a well-structured revolving line of credit can be a game-changer for managing working capital. Whether you’re navigating equipment purchases, labor costs, or long payment terms, the right financial strategies can help your manufacturing business thrive. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
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| 30 Jan 2025 | Build Smarter: How to Scale Your Shop Beyond $2 Million, Ep #9 | 00:36:34 | |
Many manufacturing businesses hit a plateau around $2 million in revenue, and breaking through that ceiling can feel overwhelming. According to Paul Van Metre, it’s not just about working harder—it’s about building systems that work harder for you. In this episode, Paul, a manufacturing entrepreneur and co-founder of ProShop ERP, uncovers why so many businesses get stuck at this threshold—and how to overcome it. We cover real-world insights on the common challenges shop owners face, from over-reliance on a single customer to wearing too many hats as the business owner. He explains why reinvesting in systems, processes, and people is essential—not just for scaling your business but for creating a better quality of life. Whether your goal is to grow past $2 million or simply work fewer hours while maintaining profitability, Paul’s advice on lean principles, automation, and delegation will equip you with practical steps to move forward. Tune in to learn how you can take control of your shop’s future, empower your team, and build a business that thrives—whether you’re at the helm or spending more time with your family. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
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| 26 Nov 2024 | Buying vs. Inheriting: Building a Family Business Legacy with Nicole Wolter, Ep #4 | 00:25:24 | |
What’s the best way to transition a family business? Should you inherit it—or buy it outright? In this episode, we’re continuing my conversation with Nicole Wolter to explore the challenges and opportunities of buying versus inheriting your family business. Nicole’s journey is one of intentionality and vision. She’s not just thinking about taking over the reins of her family business—she’s reimagining its future. Nicole believes purchasing the business is the best path forward. It’s not just about easing her dad’s stress or ensuring a smooth, tax-efficient transition—it’s about creating a legacy that reflects her leadership. Her goal? To scale, modernize, and build a women-owned, minority-owned company that’s ready for the challenges of tomorrow. But what happens when family members inherit businesses instead of buying them? I’ve seen firsthand the pitfalls, from last-minute sales to lost opportunities. Nicole and I discuss why honest family conversations are crucial, whether you’re aiming for a generational legacy or planning for a strategic exit. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to transition a family business—or if you’re navigating these decisions yourself—you’ll find valuable insights in this episode. And if you’re thinking about buying a business, I’m happy to help answer your questions. Reach out—I’d love to chat. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
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