The Job Shop Show (Jay Jacobs)

Today’s guest, Andy Reinwald of Ripley Machine and Tool, is an under 30 owner of a jobshop that he purchased from his grandfather in 2015. We discuss what he has done since taking over the shop, why and how he has focused on a low budget digital approach to sales and marketing, and the different ways he acquires the knowledge that he has not yet had the experience to live through.  In the short time Andy has been a shop owner, Ripley Machine and Tool has seen tremendous sales growth and been recognized as a Modern Machine Shop Top Shop in 2018 and Andy himself has been singled out as an Emerging Leader by Production Machining in 2019 and a 30 under 30 Emerging Leader by our friends, the National Tooling and Machining Association. 

Grady Cope of Reata Engineering and Machine Works in Denver, Colorado joins us on this episode!  Grady is not only the owner of a very successful multi dimensional machine shop, starting from ground zero 27 years ago, he is the past President of the NTMA, and a founder of the Colorado Advanced Manufacturing Association. 

Today's guest is Zack Fennell of Ameritex Machine & Fabrication outside of Hosuton, Texas.  Ameritex is an industry leader in advanced metal fabrication. We get into detail about how Ameritex made the strategic decision to change equipment suppliers and how they approached doing so from both an organizational and financial angle. We also touch on other areas of technology that have made a positive impact on their business. 

In this very timely episode, Jay chats with Patrick Davidson, VP at Metalmite and Mark Freir, Patrick's executive coach and author of "The Choice to Show Up".  They explore the soft skills of running a shop and offer advice on being a leader during these turbulent times.  

Alex Gray, author of the Wall Street Journal Article America’s Industrial Base Isn’t Ready for War With China joins us on this special episode. 

Jay and special co-host guest, Steve Lynch join fellow car enthusiast, David Bamforth of Rennscot, a design and manufacturing company with an in-house line of aftermarket performance parts and accessories.  David started Rennscot before even graduating from Wentworth Institute of Technology where he received his BS in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in manufacturing.  

In this episode, host Jay Jacobs speaks with Cody Lee. At 29 years old, Cody acquired Everyday Technologies—a Western Ohio-based metal fabrication shop established in 1928—becoming its sole owner alongside his wife.

Cody, now serving as both owner and CEO of Everyday Technologies, shares his deliberate journey into business ownership, including his process of evaluating and purchasing the company and the inevitable challenges that followed. The conversation digs into the evolving nature of leadership roles post-acquisition, the intricacies of sales and marketing, and the importance of intentionality when redefining your career.

Learn more about Everyday Technologies by visiting their website: https://www.everydaytech.com/

Jay chats with Harry Moser, President of the Reshoring Initiative, a non-profit, who’s mission is to bring good, well-paying manufacturing jobs back to the United States. They offer a number of free tools to help companies more accurately assess their total cost of offshoring, and shift collective thinking from “offshoring is cheaper” to “local reduces the total cost of ownership.”

This is the first of a mini-series of episodes with Jeff Gorman, Customer Success Manager at Paperless Parts.  Jeff speaks with hundreds of shops and will join us to explore aspects of pricing; from setting floor prices to maximizing profits and everything in between. Join us weekly for this special series!

In this episode of The Pricing Series, Jay Jacobs and Jeff Gorman are joined by Justin Quinn: President at Focused on Machining. Justin is a previous guest on the show and long-time customer of Paperless Parts.

Earlier this year at Paperless Parts' first-ever user conference, POWER 2023, Justin sat in on a presentation Jeff gave on the platform's Advanced Analytics. Lightbulbs went off, and Justin laid out his vision for a Pipeline Report. Jeff built the report for Justin, and within just a couple of weeks, Justin was able to make better decisions that drove his win rate up by 5%.

Listen as Justin shares why this Pipeline Report was so valuable and everything he walked away with as a result of the event that he wants to impart to others.

Resources

• Watch a snippet of Jeff's presentation at POWER 2023 East on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/SKd9sl9Ow0E

Today, we're speaking with Hernan Ricaurte, President and Co-Owner of Ricaurte Precision, a precision manufacturer in Southern California which he and his sister bought from their parents in 2016. We dig deep into the financial attributes of a shop, then discuss amongst other things the GAP concept of accounting, how the shop has transformed over the last five years and how living and working in Japan for almost 20 years has shaped how Hernan looks at running a company.

Jonathon Friedl and his brother Isaac Houchens are the owners of Black Mountain Manufacturing just outside Denver. As a young shop owner, Jonathon shares his non-traditional background, his struggles of being a shop owner in the early days. How he built up his company quickly just to have it crash and how he's successfully rebounded. This episdoe is full of personal experience and inspiration.

Craig Cegielski is one of the countries top manufacturing educators. Craig heads up the Tech Ed Department at Eleva-Strum High School in Strum, Wisconsin and created and runs Cardinal Manufacturing, a student run machine shop within the department.  Not only do his students learn technical and machining skills, but playability skills like dressing well and showing up on time. Craig shares all about the program and what it takes to get a program like this up and running.

In this episode, we talk with Cres Ferrell of ReNEW Manufacturing Solutions about his journey from learning business on the job to acquiring and revitalizing machine and fabrication shops. Cres shares insights on sales strategy, automation, and the future of American manufacturing—offering valuable advice for shop owners looking to grow, innovate, or plan their next move.

Visit www.renewmfgsol.com to learn more.

Bill Bonner is here today to talk about the unique challenges of supporting IT in small organizations, especially those going through rapid growth.  He has experience dealing with cyber threats and building better systems to combat them. We will be discussing that as well as some of the latest trends in information technology. Bill is a Business/Technology Systems leader with a proven ability to lead teams to design systems that support profitable business growth. Wide-ranging experience in scaling/leading IT teams, change management, key stakeholder collaboration, enterprise-wide on-premises and cloud infrastructure solutions, cyber security, crisis/recovery/strategic planning, M&A, and managing budgets of $1MM+. Known for business acumen, integrity, transparency, respect for others, and a sense of urgency in promoting frictionless business.

Imagine being able to earn passive income and build long term wealth while gaining total freedom from you business or job! Spend less time working and more time with your spouse, family and friends.  That is what Lifestyle investing is all about.  On this episode, friend, mentor, and wildly successful investor and family man, Justin Donald, the creator of the "The Lifestyle Investor" explains how cash flow investing creates passive income.  This isn't theory - Justin used these tools to achieve eight figure wealth by the age of 40. We hope after listening, you have a new path to explore yourself which can help you achieve your own financial freedom!

Len Morrissey is back again to discuss current trends in the banking world. Len spent many years as a loan officer at several Boston-area banks, before joining Jay at RAPID Manufacturing as the CFO. Most recently, Len co-founded and now runs a business loan underwriting practice: Morrissey Metcalfe and Associates. Here, Len and Jay discuss current events in the banking world as they relate to interest rates and loans, and take a deep dive into a term sheet for a current mortgage Jay is applying for. Len helps us understand what banks are looking for and where you can negotiate when looking for loans.

 

Resources

• Get in touch with Len: https://www.morrisseymetcalfe.com/contact

Rhett Ross, with over 30 years in aerospace and industrial manufacturing, acquired Leech Industries in 2021, bringing his extensive experience to the company. Under his leadership, Leech Industries has emphasized workforce development through apprenticeship programs and partnerships with local schools, fostering the next generation of manufacturers. Ross has also implemented Lean Manufacturing principles to enhance operational efficiency, addressing common issues like space utilization. A recent investment in marketing has led to significant business growth, demonstrating the impact of strategic marketing in the manufacturing sector.

To learn more, visit www.leechind.com

We have a really fun episode today! Jay chats with his first marketing hire at RAPID, Matt Sordillo.  Matt left RAPID to join Paperless Parts where he is currently Director of Marketing Services helping both Paperless and non-Paperless customers with their digital marketing efforts. We go deep into practical marketing for job shops, particularly digital marketing and even talk about some of the lies marketing companies tell you. Enjoy!

Today we chat with Craig Zoberis of Fusion OEM; a contract manufacturer of light industrial equipment for OEMs and certified systems integrator for Universal Robots. Craig brought a collaborative robot into his shop after struggling with the skills gap in the manufacturing world. Since doing so he has also created a robot integration company focusing on Job Shops.  If you've ever wondered how robots could help your shop in the future, you will learn a lot from Craig!

Lance Thrailkill is the third generation owner and CEO of All Metals Fabricating located outside Dallas, Texas. All Metals vision statement is serving people with excellence and a goal of becoming the most automated shop in the world.

Lance dives into all that they do for their employees and how the employees reciprocate. How it started day one with Lance's grandfather and has continued and expanded through today. Lance goes into detail how they have put into words what All Metals is all about; vision statement, purpose, core values, and how these words are embedded in the fabric of the company.

He gives details and stories on exactly what they do. If you are looking for ways to put your people first, so they then naturally put your customers first then this is a must listen.

Jeff shares his experience at his first trip to IMTS (International Manufacturing Technology Show). It was also Paperless Parts first time exhibiting at the show. Jeff shares with us many common questions he recieved at the booth as well as some of the cool products and companies he saw while walking the show. 

Happy New Year! Jeff and Jay sit down and chat about how a shop might plan for 2023. Jeff shares what he has heard shops say about the previous year and how they can use this reflection to set goals and aspirations for the new year!

The conversation explores the rapid surge in automation within the metalworking industry, highlighting how robots are addressing skilled worker shortages, improving precision, and enhancing workplace safety. Jay Jacobs and his co-host discuss how these technological advancements are transforming manufacturing through AI, IoT connectivity, and data-driven optimization, suggesting that companies must adapt to remain competitive.

Attracting and retaining Gen Z workers in manufacturing requires a fresh approach—emphasizing purpose, technology, and career growth. In this episode, we explore strategies to engage the next generation and build a strong workforce for the future.

Jay recently traveled to the NTMA (National Tooling and Machining Association) Chapter Leadership Summit in Orlando, FL.  The NTMA connects many of the nation's top custom precision manufacturers through regional chapters and national events.  Their goal is to improve members capabilities through the accelerated adoption of tools, technologies and best practices!  Jay asks some of the nation's top industry leaders how they are feeling going into 2020 and how being a member of the NTMA has helped their business.  Listen and enjoy!

In this episode, AI Jay and co-host Jonathan Friedl talk about the recent Modern Machine Shop article on Superior Joining Technologies.  We explore the incredible journey of a small garage shop that transformed into a leading aerospace supplier. Hear firsthand how innovation, technology, and perseverance fueled their rise in precision manufacturing.

Join us for this fun episode with Kurt Wagner, second generation owner of Wagner Machine Company in Champaign, Illinois.   Wagner Machine is a precision machine shop with all sorts of capabilities and Kurt has innovative mind that doesn’t like to say no!

In this episode, we explore the enduring partnership between Valco Valley Tool & Die, Inc. and the National Tooling & Machining Association (NTMA), spanning over five decades. Discover how this multi-generational collaboration has fostered growth, innovation, and a thriving manufacturing community in Cleveland.

​In Episode 14 of The Job Shop Show Express, Jay discusses a recent Fortune article detailing Elon Musk's ambitious plans for Tesla and its humanoid robot, Optimus. The episode explores how these developments could revolutionize manufacturing and impact job shops in the future.​

Today we speak with Eric Nekick of Lang Technovation.  Several guests have mentioned Lang so we thought we'd speak with them directly and get to the nitty gritty of workholding and fixturing and understand why so many shops are investing in Lang.

Have you ever wondered whether having a robot in your shop makes sense?  Are you worried about the cost of buying one, getting it up and running and then maintaing it? Saman Farid founded Formic Technologies with the goal to make robot implementation much easier for Manufacturers.  Formic owns, installs, and then leases robots to manufacturers at an hourly rate, much less than the human team member.  Listen and learn how you can get robot automation implemented in your shop with minimal risk!

Apple's supply chain is evolving as it shifts some MacBook production from China to Vietnam. In this episode, we explore the impact of this move on global manufacturing and what it signals for the future of tech supply chains.

Sam Gupta of ElevatIQ joins us as we take a deep dive into ERP Systems.  Why do you need one? How do you chose one? How does it help with business transformation? ElevatIQ consults with companies to assist with the procurment of business systems such as ERP and provides implementaion assistance. 

Sam is also host of the popular program WBSRocks; a community and a media company focused on digital transformation and business growth. It runs several initiatives including a podcast, clubhouse rooms, happy hours, Twitter chat, slack, and LinkedIn communities, and a network of LinkedIn influencers.

Today's guest is Courtney Silver of Ketchie Precision Machining Solutions; a third generation precision machine shop in Concord, North Carolina. As many shop owners can relate, 2020 produced challenges and forced changes. Courtney, however, describes 2020 as a "reset" and talks candidly about decisions and changes she has recently made, including one that was the hardest of her manufacturing career.  Still in the "messy middle" of her shops reset she shares first hand experience and what she is learning.

Dynamic Metal Innovations (DMI) was founded by Mark Sternat and Scott Hartrick in 2019 and is located in Emmaus, PA. Being digital natives and not having legacy equipment and systems has allowed Mark and Scott to jump feet first into technology as a pillar of shop growth.

In this episode, Jay, Mark, and Scott get into pricing, including how and why they have embraced expedites. Plus, they'll dive into how technology helps them recruit team members, what they looked for in selecting an ERP system, getting a co-bot running on the shop floor, and much more. Whether you're a small shop looking for suggestions to grow or an established larger shop trying to freshen up, this episode has something for you.

Visit www.dynamicmetalpa.com to learn more.

Dan Donaworth of Dan's Custom Machining out of Williamsburg, Ohio joins us today!  Dan is just four years into his dream of owning his own shop and was recently featured in Modern Machine Shop Magazine.  Anyone in their early stages of running a shop is sure to grab some good takeaways!

Our focus is on Canadian manufacturing business acquisitions. This episode explores strategies and considerations for acquiring manufacturing businesses in Canada, offering insights into the unique challenges and opportunities within this market.

The TAAF program which stands for Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms is the only federal program that's specifically designed to help small manufacturers who have been directly hurt by imports.  TAAF provides up to $75,000 in matching funds to companies who have been hurt by import competition.  Scott Jacobs of Great Lakes Trade Adjustment Assistance Center which helps companies in Ohio, Michigan and Indiana is joining us to explain the program in more detail.  Scott has been helping companies tap into government programs like TAAF for years and has a passion for manufacturing!

 

 

Rafal Gliwiak Owner at Pro Fabricating Machining and Welding joins us on this episode. Rafals journey embodies the entreprenurial spirit in America. He shares how he got started, obstacles to growth and how he's learning and improving everyday.

On today's episode, Jay and Jeff get into how easy it is to update pricing in Paperless Parts. Some shops may be hesitant to update pricing often because it takes time and effort. But what happens when you remove the friction and make it easy? What if you could update factors for pricing everyday? Think about what opportunities are possible when things are simple!

In this episode we dive in to how we see shops handling the dramatic fluctuations in material pricing. What are their strategies and how does automated quoting make them easier to implement.

We are joined by Roy Crumrine, owner of Crummy Welding and co-host of the popular podcast Welding Tips & Tricks.  Roy provides tips and insights on welding that shop owners may often overlook.  You are sure to leave this episode for a new found appreciation of your welding department!  

Scott Duncan of F&M Tool and Die joins us to ask Jay and Jeff some questions on growing his business. Jeff and Jay met several years ago through the Entreprenuers Organization. Jay, Jeff and Scott chat strategy about raising EBITDA, why you would want a high profit margin and how to achieve it.

Bill Berrien, owner of Pindel Global Precision in New Berlin Wisconsin joins us on this exciting episode!  Pindel is a global manufacturer of precision machine components that has been in business since 1947 and acquired by Bill in 2012.  After quite a fascinating career to that point, Bill's background is not typical of a shop owner.  He is a Princeton and Harvard graduate, served as a Navy SEAL officer for nine years, was a General Electric Six Sigma Blackbelt, and also helped run a private equity-backed company. Bill is passionate about leadership and a huge proponent of advanced manufacturing.  We take a deep dive into up-skilling and why it is so critical in today's world.  

In this episode we discuss "The Fabricator" article by Caleb Chamberlain, "The Economics of Speed in Metal Fabrication which examines a fabrication company that transformed its business model by prioritizing speed, moving from charging rush fees to offering faster default production times. By investing in technology, scaling efficiently, and challenging their own profitable practices, they discovered that faster service can attract more customers and potentially reshape the manufacturing industry's approach to lead times.

In this episode, we sit down with Jamie Goettler, Chief Revenue Officer of BTX Precision, a leading family of precision manufacturing organizations. Jamie's journey to BTX marks a significant shift from his 23-year tenure at MSC Industrial, where he gained extensive experience on the supply side of the manufacturing industry.

Join us as Jamie shares his insights from visiting over a thousand shops during his time at MSC, offering a unique perspective now that he's on the manufacturing side of the fence. We dive into MSC Industrial's capabilities and some of the lesser-known services they provide that could be game-changers for your shop.

Jamie also indulges us in a fascinating discussion about the future of manufacturing, including the potential impact of humanoid robots. His knowledge and passion for American manufacturing shine through in our conversation, and we hope you’ll find it as inspiring as we did.

How are 3D printed sand molds and cores changing the metal casting industry? Brandon Lamoncha is the Director of Additive Manufacturing at Humtown: an organization first established by Brandon's grandfather as a pattern shop in 1959 that has since grown to become the industry’s first conventional sand core and mold manufacturer to commercialize 3D sand printing. Humtown offers both conventional manufacturing (Humtown Products) and 3D printing (Humtown Additive), and they're consistently taking their knowledge of being a successful production shop to find unique ways to succeed with new technology. In this episode, Brandon shares his story of getting started in the business, how technology helps him successfully work remotely, tips for safe global shipping, the benefits of 3D printing over conventional methods, how Humtown optimizes their processes for efficiency, how they've dialed in their tolerances, and more.

To learn more, visit www.humtown.com.

 

Jeff and Jay sit down with Nick Mosey of Moseys Production Machinist in Anaheim, California. Nick and Jay had a conversation a few weeks back about how to reduce accounts receivables, and after some great discussion, we agreed to have Nick come on the podcast so that some of his other questions could be captured for you.

We touch upon a  really  wide variety of topics, including how to prioritize payables, why you should always have a line of credit at a bank, even if you don't use it, and if you do, how to use it. How pricing algorithms can be designed to automatically adjust pricing for new prospects, why profits are essential for growth, and lots more.

 

In this episode, we delve into the global manufacturing landscape with Alfonso Aramburo, a seasoned leader at ESL Power Systems and BRECHER Manufacturing. Drawing from his extensive experience in Mexico, Germany, and the United States, Alfonso offers a comparative analysis of each region's manufacturing strengths. He highlights Germany's unwavering commitment to quality, the U.S.'s emphasis on timely delivery, and Mexico's competitive edge in assembly and continuous improvement. Alfonso also shares invaluable advice for shop owners, emphasizing the importance of embracing technology, cultivating skilled teams, and building trust for sustained success. 

Jay chats with Ryan Murray, General Manager of A&E Manufacturing; a precision sheet metal shop out of Levittown, Pennsylvania.  A&E is a multi-generational family owned and operated shop which creates it's own set of unique dynamics. Ryan also shares how technology like Microsoft Teams and Zoom are keeping his team connected and organized through the pandemic. Enjoy!

In this episode, we delve into the inspiring journey of Sherry Davies, who transitioned from a career in education to leading T.J. Davies Company, Inc., a veteran-founded, woman-owned manufacturer of retention knobs. Discover how her commitment to growth and innovation has propelled the company to new heights in the manufacturing industry.

Manufacturing efficiency is key, but is there such a thing as the perfect run time? In this episode, we explore why variability in production is inevitable and how shops can optimize processes without chasing an unrealistic ideal.

In this episode, Jeff and Jay revisit the theme of seasonality in custom manufacturing.  As manufacturing tends to trend busier this time of year Jeff and Jay explore strategies to use pricing to manage demand.

Ellen Pietrowitz-Phillips of L-E-M Plastics in Fairfield, NJ joins us today as our second female job shop owner.   L-E-M Plastics is both a plastics focused manufacturer as well as plastics material distributor but have been shifting the business more and more to the make side.  Enjoy hearing how Ellen's experience surviving and thriving through past disasters has set her up for optimistic outcomes in the future!

Estimating custom parts efficiently comes down to answering four key questions about manufacturability, materials, process steps, and costs. In this episode, we break down how automation is transforming the quoting process to save time and improve accuracy.

We are back with our 4th episode in this special pricing series. Jay talks in depth about how he believes US Manufacturing will not just survive but flourish in the event of a recession. We also dig deep into shop rates and why it is difficult to determine one rate for an entire shop. We talk strategies and considerations for coming up with these rates. Enjoy!

Precision Parts Fast (formerly Precision Additive) is an industrial 3D printing, CNC machining, and manufacturing design & consulting company based outside Denver, Colorado. Founded by brothers, Jason Korbelik and Brian Korbelik, in early 2021; Sensing an opportunity to bring precision additive manufacturing to the Rocky mountain roots, they have taken the plunge. We explore thoughts behind starting a business, challenges they're facing how they think differently than someone coming directly from additive manufacturing, and even answer some questions they have regarding redundancy, generating leads, expedite markups, and equipment strategy.

We are back with our third installment in this special series. Jay and Jeff talk about how to teach, train, and develop less experienced team members into becoming productive in estimating. Enjoy!

CMMC is vital for enhancing cybersecurity practices and securing sensitive information within the Department of Defense's supply chain. Its main focus is to set standardized security levels and certification requirements in place for organizations involved in DoD contracts. 

In this episode, Bill Berrien, owner and CEO of Pindel Global Precision and Liberty Precision, shares his first-hand experience implementing the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). Also joining us is Jason Luce, Senior Vice President of Engineering Paperless Parts, responsible for ensuring Paperless Parts' customer data is protected per CMMC regulations.

 

This conversation explores the transformative shift in metal fabrication manufacturing, where advanced technologies are empowering workers rather than replacing them, enabling increased productivity and more meaningful roles. By 2025, the industry is expected to leverage AI, connected worker concepts, and sophisticated data analytics to drive efficiency, potentially increasing productivity by 25% without expanding workforce headcount.

Ari Santiago, CEO of CompassMSP and Host of the popular Made in America Podcast joins us on this episode! CompassMSP's mission is to help small to medium size businesses utilize the power of technology to help reach their goals. 

Jay interviews a true Champion of U.S. Manufacturing; Terry Iverson. While Terry’s day job is running Iverson & Co a seller of new and used machine tools; Terry’s true passion is to educate our country on the importance of Manufacturing in the USA. Terry founded ChampionNow with the goal of moving manufacturing forward, erasing old stigmas, and educating and mentoring the younger generations on the exciting opportunities that exist within Manufacturing. Terry is also author of “Finding America’s Greatest Champion” - a resource for students, parents, educators and industry leaders to understand what is possible for our young people in this country with regards to manufacturing careers. Enjoy!

We're going international!  In this episode of the Job Shop Show Jay speaks with Dan Kirby, CEO and co-founder of The Tech Dept.   The Tech Dept is a technology implementer specializing in working with UK manufacturers.  They believe their future – like all businesses – is digital.  Jay and Dan speak about adaptability and how making small incremental changes to manufacturing process and technology can yield great results!

In this Bonus episode, Jeremy Dustin of Metalcraft Technologies picks Jay's brain on how he can efficiently offer expedites in his shop.  Jay shares his experiences and ideas for managing and pricing expedites. If you're contemplating adding expedites to  your shop or already offer them, this episode is not to be missed!

Our new mini series generated by AI

In this episode, we introduce a mysterious guest who is currently navigating the complex process of acquiring a job shop. To protect their identity due to ongoing employment, our guest remains anonymous, but their experiences and wisdom are anything but hidden. Our guest initially set out to find a small shop, but soon expanded their search to larger ventures. They share their strategies for financing a significant purchase despite limited funds and reveal what makes a shop truly appealing to them. Moreover, they candidly discuss deal-breakers that would prompt them to walk away. 

We have a fun episode today!  Jay chats with Tom Pursch, the former Chief Operating Officer at RAPID and now co-owner of PGC Wire Cable.   Without Tom making Jay's ideas real at RAPID, RAPID would not have reached the levels of growth and success that it did.  Today we focus on operations and discuss some of the things that were critical in making their Journey at RAPID so rewarding and successful.

In this episode, we explore the remarkable journey of American Flexible Products with their dynamic CEO, Carla Mathiason. Discover the pivotal moment in 2008 when the company embraced full employee ownership through an ESOP, unraveling the inner workings of share allocation and valuation. Carla's engaging narrative not only reflects the company's growth but also emphasizes the profound cultural foundation of AFP—built on employee empowerment and robust customer relationships, making employee ownership a key competitive advantage.

Jay and Jeff take a deep dive into Analytics; data derived primarily from quoting activities.  For those quoting in excel or an ERP system it may be difficult to extract information such as win rate.  One of the advantages of estimating software is that all this data comes for free and very little effort is neccessary to generate reports. Jeff and Jay get into some of the ways reports can be sliced and diced both out of the box and how you can customize for your shop. 

Have you ever considered opening up your company's financials to the workforce? Today's guest Reid Leland has done so and with remarkable success. Reid is the founder and president of LeanWerks in Ogden, Utah, and he has created a better shop; as it is part of their trademark, "we make everything better". We will discuss what that means as well as what has been behind the success of LeanWerks that won them multiple awards so far, including the prestigious Top Shop award. LeanWerks focuses on manufacturing the very most demanding of parts: high precision, high pressure, high temperature. Enjoy!

We are back with a second edition of our special series on Pricing. Jay and Jeff sit down and discuss getting data in and out of Paperless Parts through APIs and other methods. The importance of automated data collection and the risks associated with human error. Enjoy!

Mush Khan shares his experience working in Manufacturing plants all over the world and why he is confident that we have what it takes to increase opportunities here in the U.S. As a curator of great teams, Mush is the CEO and co-founder of Alchemy Industrial out of Houston, Texas; an additive parts manufacturer focusing on FDM technology with assembly and machining. He shares his journey and passion for the future of manufacturing here in the U.S. 

Jay chats with 3D Printing veteran and Pioneer, Kevin Dyer, of InterPRO Additive Manufacturing Group. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, hear how Kevin's shop was instrumental in helping prototype and test ventilator adapters to allow one ventilator to support multiple patients.  This story as well as many others over the course of Kevin's tenure in 3D printing make for a unique and exciting episode!

In this episode, we explore how collaborative robots, or cobots, are revolutionizing welding automation by accessing areas traditional robots cannot reach. Discover how their portability and advanced capabilities are enhancing efficiency and flexibility in metal fabrication.

Jay is joined by Nick Polanosky of P3D Creations. They delve into the world of automation; from quoting to inspection and everything in between. 

Ashleigh Wehrle of Area Tool & Manufacturing joins us to speak openly about her experience of taking over the shop after losing her father unexpectedly in 2011. Ashleigh's family did not not have a succession plan in place and she shares her experience and lessons learned.

Jeff George is the President of Micro-Tronics, Inc. located in Tempe, Arizona. Micro-Tronic started out as an EDM shop in 1968 and has since become a world leader in supplying precision machine components, rubber products, mechanical assemblies, and EDM services to the industry's leading aerospace companies.  

James Fitch is the Vice President of Engineering at Nu-Way Industries, Inc., a leader in designing and fabricating precision metal products serving many industries worldwide. With a manufacturing career spanning five decades, James oversees Estimating, the Product Development Group, the Manufacturing Engineering Group, and the Prototype Shop from Nu-Way’s headquarters in Des Plaines, Illinois.  In this episode Jay and Jim sit down to dive deeper into his article "Six Tips for Facilitating Digital Transformation in Manufacturing" published in Paperless Parts Blog: In the Shop. Here we get a chance to riff and go deep on what is truly a passionate subject for Jim and one that he's thought about over his decades in manufacturing.

So impressed with Matt Guse, our guest on Episode 20 of The Job Shop Show and owner of MRS Machining. Listen to how he and his father helped get Cardinal Mfg up and running, a for-profit Job Shop in a local high school. Matt reveals in-house software that dramatically reduced material movement times and how open company financials has increased team profit-sharing AND company profits. Dig in!

We chat with our first veteran plating and finishing expert, Tamea Franco, President and CEO of Global Metal Finishing out of Roanoke, Virginia.  Tamea shares some of the secrets of the trade and also expresses how important it is to have a great relationship with your platers!  This is an episode not to miss!

Today we have one of custom manufacturing's rising stars joining us. Custom manufacturers have a reputation of being slow to adopt technology. Sam Griffith, new owner and president of National Jet in Laval, Maryland, believes that whatever the problem, technology is the solution.  Their specialty is micro hole drilling, and they continue to push the limits of what is considered possible. How about a hole of a half of a thousandth of an inch? Hear how National Jet is also helping with the fight against COVID-19 as a supplier of material used in PPE equipment.  Enjoy!

We are speaking with Kevin Heins of KLH Industries located in Germantown, Wisconsin. KLH Industries was recently recognized as a Modern Machine Shop Top Shop in the business strategies and performance category. This is a follow up to a great article that was written about them and their implemenation of a company operating system.

Juan March owns Jacksonville Precision Manufacturing, specializing in quick-turn prototyping, short to medium-run production, and one-off specialty components primarily for the automation industry.  Juan is passionate about robotic educational programs and shares his experiences being involved with FIRST Robotics.  He also competed in several NASA Robotic competitions in college and then parlayed that into a job where he designed and manufactured robots for pipelining applications.

Jeff and Jay get into what information can be interrogated from a 3D CAD model.  How to input it automatically into quoting software and then how it can be used for design for manufacturability feedback during the quoting process based upon the parameters of manufacturability. Jay built a company around using 3D data to quote and manufacture parts, and this episode will give you a glimpse of how 3D CAD model geometry speeds quoting, and dramatically reduces errors.

​In this episode, we discuss Pindel Global Precision's innovative approach to machinist training, emphasizing their collaboration with Milwaukee Area Technical College to provide hands-on experience with advanced CNC Swiss machining equipment. This partnership aims to bridge the skills gap by aligning educational programs with industry needs, ensuring a highly skilled workforce prepared for the complexities of modern precision manufacturing.

We explore a wide range of pricing strategies today. How to handle customers who cherry pick your quotes, stinging you with the line items you price too low and awarding the juicy parts to someone else. How to handle no quotes; when to no quote, putting a policy in place and what to say to the customer. What to do when an unknown new customer sends in a giant quoting package for the first opportunity. Enjoy!

Welcome to the Job Shop Show!  In our first episode, our host, Jay Jacobs, speaks with Brian LeMoine of Brian's Machine Shop a family run business here in New Hampshire.  As a self-proclaimed "old school" job shop owner Brian is embracing technology giving him more freedom to travel and participate in his hobbies as retirement is approaching and his son gets prepared to take over the family business.

Our guest today is Noah Graff, is a third-generation, worldwide used machinery dealer at Graff-Pinkert & Co., and self-described treasure hunter based outside of Chicago. Noah also hosts the popular podcast, "Swarfcast." 

Bill Berrien, CEO of Pindel Global Precision and Liberty Precision, shares his experience and insights on acquiring a manufacturing shop. We discuss strategies for evaluating potential acquisitions, financing options, and the challenges faced during the transition to new ownership.

We interview our first female Job Shop Owner, Kristin Carlson of Peerless Precision out of Western Massachusetts. Kristin shares her experience of being a woman in a male dominated industry as well as how dedicated she is growing her workforce and her commitment to the custom part manufacturing business.  Enjoy!

Dan Villemaire is the President of C&M Precision Tech located in Hudson, NH.  Founded by Dan's grandfather in 1979, C&M is a manufacturer of metal and plastic components and assemblies for product manufacturers across various industries. Jay and Dan touch on various aspects of running a shop from managing big mult-year contracts to certifications and much much more.

Joining us today is Rodd Blessey of Aldine Metal, a sheet metal fabricator in New Milford, Connecticut.  As a very forward thinking leader, Rodd, has been able to grow his shop 10% a year after implementing change. In line with his forethought Rodd loves data and shares his vision on how job shops must work with their customers in today's world.  Enjoy this exciting episode!

Brian and Jason Korbelik of Precision Parts Fast join us on this episode. Precision Parts Fast has implemented many concepts and recommendations we've discussed on prior episodes. They are winning more work than ever and have lots of questions on how to automate estimating even more through the use of Paperless Parts. We captured it all for you.  We get into pricing levers, part type categorization, and shop rates. Why complex parts can be the devil; throwing away your calculator; managing expectations and even chat about credit cards. These guys are smart, hungry, and growing fast. 

Mark Barglof is the President and owner of Kinetic Technologies, LLC: a design and fabrication shop just north of Algona, IA. After serving in the military and earning the U.S. Army Ranger Tab, Mark shifted career paths and dove into the world of manufacturing (he grew up the son of a job shop owner, so it wasn't his first rodeo). In this episode, Mark talks to Jay about what drove him to co-found SmartAg: the company that created the first commercially available aftermarket kit to turn a tractor into a fully autonomous vehicle. Mark also shares how Kinetic has evolved over the years, which technologies and people have been integral in their success, and how integrating robots and cobots can not only help drive quality and efficiency, but creative freedom and employee retention. If you're looking to learn more about entrepreneurship, Industry 4.0, and new ways to improve your shop, this episode is a must-listen.

 

Episode Links:

• Click here to see Mark's welding cobot in action
• Read Mark's article on robotic automation for Paperless Parts' blog, In the Shop

In this episode, we delve into how fostering a strong company culture is essential for success in metal fabrication. Discover strategies to engage employees, enhance teamwork, and build a sense of pride in producing high-quality work.

Jay chats with Jeff Robinson of the newly formed Hybrid Machining.  Jeff speaks candidly about his experience selling his previous shop, AllRout, and starting his new shop shortly thereafter. 

In this episode we focus on pricing strategies for repeat parts and how to think of them in terms of rising costs; particularly materials, blanket orders, multiple shipments, and long term agreements. We also dive into AB testing to determine whether new customers will pay more and also how to use AB testing to test out different pricing strategies.

This episode discusses the emerging integration of humanoid robots in medium-scale manufacturing, highlighting their increasing accuracy, decreasing costs, and potential to enhance rather than replace human workers. By 2030, experts predict these robots will be as common in manufacturing as computers are today, offering smaller shops the opportunity to boost productivity and efficiency by augmenting their workforce with robotic teammates.