MC015: Tips to Save Time and Money with CAM Software with Matt Sump

There are around 17,000 contract manufacturing job shops in the US. That sounds pretty great, right? The truth is that growth is down 16% since 2008. Now, more than ever, we need new entrepreneurs in the manufacturing industry. Matthew Nix, Paul Van Metre, Drew Crowe, and Mike Payne join me in this roundtable discussion to talk about the vast opportunities available, how to take advantage of them, and why manufacturing leaders should encourage and grow entrepreneurs from within their businesses. Because if manufacturing isn’t growing, we aren’t MakingChips, and we aren’t making money. BAM!

– Nick Goellner

Segments

• [1:41] Matthew Nix, Paul Van Metre, Drew Crowe, Mike Payne
• [2:33] Manufacturing News: Leverage AMT’s custom research
• [11:07] Our reaction to the declining number of job shops
• [18:02] What Mike looks for in an acquisition
• [23:55] Join the AMT community!
• [24:48] Why every shop can leverage an ERP
• [28:00] There are vast opportunities available
• [33:55] Why you should grow future entrepreneurs 

Resources mentioned on this episode

• The benefits of joining the AMT community 
• ProFab Alliance

Connect With MakingChips

• www.MakingChips.com
• On Facebook
• On LinkedIn
• On Instagram
• On Twitter
• On YouTube

How can leadership remain connected to what’s happening on the shop floor? At Nix, we’ve found a creative way to bridge a gap that many businesses experience. We’ve implemented a program that allows our front line to address problems and propose solutions so that their everyday real-world problems are being fixed. Dakota Hunt and Jack Henry Hagan return to share how this program has positively impacted them and the business. 

– Matthew Nix

Segments

• [1:03] Netsuite by Oracle’s CFO's Ultimate KPI Checklist
• [4:56] Casey’s dad joke (stolen from his five-year-old)
• [5:41] The essential part(s) of an improvement program
• [15:48] Spark of Knowledge: Business development
• [16:59] Why communication is critical for success
• [19:37] The most rewarding part of this industry
• [21:55] The importance of a culture of respect

Resources mentioned on this episode

• Netsuite by Oracle’s CFO's Ultimate KPI Checklist

Connect With MakingChips

• www.MakingChips.com
• On Facebook
• On LinkedIn
• On Instagram
• On Twitter
• On YouTube

How do we recruit more young talent to fabrication? How do we navigate rapid growth balanced with training and development? How do we help develop young talent into our future leaders? These are just a few questions we wrestle with in this episode of MakingSparks with special guests Dakota Hunt and Jack Henry Hagan. 

– Matthew Nix

Segments

• [0:48] Join the AMT online community 
• [2:14] Introducing Jack Henry Hagan & Dakta Hunt
• [3:47] Casey’s dad joke
• [4:16] Dakota’s background in fabrication
• [8:27] Jack Henry’s background in fabrication
• [11:24] Sparks of Knowledge: CRMs
• [13:45] Why fabrication is rewarding work
• [16:28] Dos and don’ts for bringing in young talent
• [21:38] How to handle rapid growth

 Resources mentioned on this episode

• Join the AMT online community 
• ProFab Alliance

Connect With MakingChips

• www.MakingChips.com
• On Facebook
• On LinkedIn
• On Instagram
• On Twitter
• On YouTube

BWXT Mount Vernon produces components for naval nuclear reactors, used in submarines and aircraft carriers. Their sprawling facility is home to CNC machine tools and sophisticated welding and heat-treating equipment. In this episode of MakingSparks, General Manager Nate Foote shares more about their commitment to processes, their recruiting practices, and why the work they do is incredibly important. 

– Casey

Segments

• [1:09] Learn more about AMT
• [2:38] Introducing special guest Nate Foote
• [7:57] Casey’s dad joke
• [9:31] BWXT’s team-building process
• [13:54] Their program with a local high school 
• [15:39] Spark of Knowledge: Strategic Planning 
• [17:28] The recruiting strategies they leverage 
• [26:38] Get Oracle’s KPI Checklist 
• [29:42] BWXT’s involvement in niche markets
• [31:18] Their commitment to processes
• [35:38] What’s keeping Nate up at night
• [36:35] What Nate’s most excited about

Resources mentioned on this episode

• Learn more about AMT
• Get Oracle’s KPI Checklist
• Connect with Nate on LinkedIn
• BWXT Mount Vernon

Connect With MakingChips

• www.MakingChips.com
• On Facebook
• On LinkedIn
• On Instagram
• On Twitter
• On YouTube

What are the pros and cons of plasma cutters vs. water jets vs. lasers? How does cutting with nitrogen differ from cutting with oxygen? How is technology driving innovation in fabrication? R.J. Reed and Brendon DiVincenzo join us in this episode of MakingSparks to cover all things lasers and fabrication. Because if you’re not MakingSparks with the right tool, you’re not making money. BAM!

– Nick

Segments

• [0:19] FREE IMTS 2024 Exhibitor Workshop
• [2:17] Nick’s dad joke
• [2:43] Learn more about R.J. Reed and Brendon DiVincenzo
• [9:45] The definition of precision
• [12:16] The history of lasers in machining
• [19:28] Netsuite by Oracle’s Ultimate KPI Checklist
• [21:29] Plasma versus water jet versus laser cutting
• [25:55] Cutting with nitrogen versus oxygen
• [31:05] How technology is driving innovation
• [38:48] Are people still G-code programming?

Resources mentioned on this episode

• FREE IMTS 2024 Exhibitor Workshop
• When the Machine Stopped
• Connect with Brendon DiVincenzo
• Connect with R.J. Reed
• Netsuite by Oracle’s Ultimate KPI Checklist
• “The Goal” by Eliyahu M Goldratt
• FABTECH 2024: October 15-17, 2024

Connect With MakingChips

• www.MakingChips.com
• On Facebook
• On LinkedIn
• On Instagram
• On Twitter
• On YouTube

On December 7th, 2023, Jason had a heart attack, the type well-known as the “widow-maker.” Miraculously, Jason survived. Then he survived a heart transplant. January 19th, 2024, he went home. Jason beat the odds. In this episode of MakingChips, we’ll share Jason’s miraculous story. We’ll also share some of the lessons we’ve learned throughout the last couple of months. Be ready to be awe-struck. 

– Nick

Segments

• [0:18] IMTS 2024
• [2:01] Miracle #1: Making it to the hospital
• [8:35] Miracle #2: Getting a heart transplant
• [12:01] Miracle #3: Being near the right hospital 
• [14:41] Miracle #4: Hearing Jason on the phone
• [21:22] Netsuite by Oracle KPI Checklist
• [24:16] Takeaway #1: Focus on your health
• [26:59] Takeaway #2: Create an estate plan
• [29:23] Takeaway #3: Build a team you can trust
• [32:19] Takeaway #4: Don’t take anything for granted 

Resources mentioned on this episode

• Jason’s CaringBridge page
• Netsuite by Oracle KPI Checklist
• IMTS 2024

Connect With MakingChips

• www.MakingChips.com
• On Facebook
• On LinkedIn
• On Instagram
• On Twitter
• On YouTube

Every family business that’s growing and expanding runs into some challenges. From navigating tough conversations with family to determining a centralized versus decentralized model, there are numerous things to consider. Joe Patterson’s family business overcame the challenges that came their way and expanded globally. 

However, they had lofty goals for the business and ultimately needed more capital to realize those goals. Joe shares how they expanded their family business and why they sold the majority of their shares to private equity in this episode of MakingSparks. Listen to learn how you can help your family business make sparks, grow, and make money.

Segments

• [1:20] Palo Alto Networks Zero Trust OT Security
• [5:03] Matthew’s dad joke
• [6:20] Learn more about Joe Patterson
• [10:50] Why Joe initially left the family business 
• [13:30] Sparks of Knowledge: Host “tryouts”
• [14:33] How to have the conversation with family 
• [17:05] How Flanders scaled the family business
• [20:51] Netsuite by Oracle KPI Checklist
• [22:23] The difference between offering services and products
• [24:40] A centralized versus decentralized model
• [31:35] Why the family decided to sell the business
• [40:08] How to join the AMT Community 
• [41:00] How to scale your family business 

Resources mentioned on this episode

• Palo Alto Zero Trust OT Security
• Netsuite by Oracle KPI Checklist
• Join the AMT Community by reaching out to Chahn@AMTOnline.org or going to AMT Online
• Connect with Joe Patterson on LinkedIn
• Flanders

Connect With MakingChips

• www.MakingChips.com
• On Facebook
• On LinkedIn
• On Instagram
• On Twitter
• On YouTube

communication with your family? How do you foster open communication in difficult conversations? 

Running a family business is full of unique challenges—and successes—that many other businesses don’t have to think about. But navigating those challenges doesn’t have to be difficult. Tad Dickel returns in this episode of MakingSparks to cover it all. 

– Matthew Nix

If you missed part 1, go back and listen HERE.

Segments

• [0:56] Palo Alto Zero Trust OT Security
• [4:38] Casey’s dad joke
• [5:30] Common challenges family businesses face
• [7:28] Spark of Knowledge: Social media
• [8:40] How to have hard conversations 
• [10:07] Tad’s thoughts on family governance
• [16:50] The purpose of the family council
• [19:49] Palo Alto Zero Trust OT Security
• [21:24] Open communication is the goal
• [26:08] When a small business should start
• [31:10] Think about the future now
• [32:30] Thomasnet programs

Resources mentioned on this episode

• Connect with Tad Dickel on LinkedIn
• T.A. Dickel Group
• Tad’s podcast
• Palo Alto Zero Trust OT Security
• The Family Business Consulting Group
• The Legacy Journey by Dave Ramsay
• Thomasnet Programs

Connect With MakingChips

• www.MakingChips.com
• On Facebook
• On LinkedIn
• On Instagram
• On Twitter
• On YouTube

Nix Companies is a fifth-generation family business in an industry that's predominantly privately held and family-owned. Family-owned businesses are the fabric of our economy. Today’s guest on MakingSparks, Tad Dickel, is a Leadership & Strategy Consultant with a special interest in family-owned businesses. He helps them with everything from governance to succession planning. 

Tad shares why having difficult conversations with family early can make a profound impact on the long-term generational success of the business. He also covers how to have those conversations. Don’t miss this one! 

– Matthew Nix

Segments

• [0:38] Netsuite by Oracle
• [2:42] How Tad Dickel helps family-owned businesses
• [5:39] Why work with a Leadership & Strategy Consultant 
• [9:16] Challenges that family businesses face
• [12:42] Spark of Knowledge: The Ideal Team Player
• [13:57] Casey’s dad joke
• [14:25] Tad’s hope for this episode
• [17:43] Palo Alto Zero Trust OT Security
• [21:33] Using a Venn diagram to think through family dynamics

Resources mentioned on this episode

• Connect with Tad Dickel on LinkedIn
• T.A. Dickel Group
• Netsuite by Oracle: CFO's Ultimate KPI Checklist
• The Ideal Team Player by Patrick M. Lencioni
• Palo Alto Zero Trust OT Security

Connect With MakingChips

• www.MakingChips.com
• On Facebook
• On LinkedIn
• On Instagram
• On Twitter
• On YouTube

Cutting tool manufacturers have to remain on the cutting edge. If you do so, it’s possible to stay competitive. We know that a solid education and training for new talent is the best first step. But you also have to learn to embrace grit to make it through. We cover what else is important to remain successful and competitive in this episode of MakingChips. 

– Drew Crowe

Out call-to-action: Bring us someone who can talk about innovation in the tooling industry in North America. 

Segments

• [0:13] Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security
• [2:32] Why collaborations are important
• [9:02] Manufacturing fuels grit 
• [11:18] Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security
• [14:58] The future of American manufacturing

Resources mentioned on this episode

• Andy Mueller Missouri Tools
• Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security
• 5 Keys to A Successful Cutting Tool Manufacturing Business with Mike Polizzi

Connect With MakingChips

• www.MakingChips.com
• On Facebook
• On LinkedIn
• On Instagram
• On Twitter
• On YouTube