Breaking the Ceiling: Systems, Data, and the Truth About Scaling a Machine Shop, Ep #44

Women, Purpose, and Pay: The Honest Conversation Manufacturing Needs to Have, Ep #48

Part two of a good conversation is where things usually get real. In this episode, I pick back up with Nush Ahmed and Brooke Laing from Sisterhood of Trades, and we get into the questions most shop owners quietly wonder about but rarely say out loud: why more women aren't walking through the door, what it actually looks like to attract them, and whether our instinct to "just hire good people" is actually enough. One of the things that struck me in this conversation is how simple some of the answers are. Women aren't applying to manufacturing jobs in large numbers not because they don't want to work in a shop, but because many of them have no idea what manufacturing even is as a career option. Visibility is the entry point. And social media, whether you're comfortable with TikTok or not, is where that visibility happens today. If your shop isn't showing up where the next generation is spending time, you're not even in the conversation. We also got real about what the next generation is actually looking for, and it's more nuanced than just higher wages. Purpose matters. Acknowledgment matters. The small things, a "good job" at the end of a shift, a manager who notices when someone puts in extra effort, carry more weight than I expected. That said, we had an honest conversation about total compensation, and I think every business owner who has ever been frustrated by someone turning down a job offer because the hourly rate was a dollar short will find something useful in where that conversation went. We also touched on transparency, specifically what happens when shop owners start being honest with their teams about the economics of running a business. The response is usually not what you'd expect. Most people, when they actually understand the numbers, become more invested, not less. That's a management insight worth sitting with. This is one of those episodes where I walked away having learned something. And when that happens, I like to share it. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in… * (0:00) Welcome back and kicking off Part 2 with Nush and Brooke from Sisterhood of Trades * (1:35) Why the next generation values purpose as much as a paycheck (and what that means for hiring) * (4:55) How showing up at industry events creates real connections across generations * (6:24) Your buyers have technical questions. Navu delivers reliable, accurate answers. Learn more at Navu.co/MakingChips * (7:35) The visibility problem: women don't enter manufacturing because most don't know it's an option * (10:10) Why your shop's social media presence is a recruiting tool whether you use it that way or not * (13:07) Show women doing the real work: why representation on social media drives applications * (17:42) Take your shop to the next level with DN Solutions * (18:57) The positive reinforcement gap and why a simple "good job" can keep someone in the trades * (20:54) Can you give hard feedback if you're not giving positive feedback first? * (23:33) Why clean bathrooms are a better judge of company culture than most shop owners realize * (24:58) Why we love the quality of SMW Autoblok workholding * (25:45) Healthcare benefits and why total compensation matters more than the number on an offer letter * (33:59) Why being transparent about shop economics helps workers understand what owners are dealing with * (37:46) Closing the generational gap: what both sides actually need to do to connect * (42:37) How to find Sisterhood of Trades and connect with Nush and Brooke Resources Mentioned * Your buyers have technical questions. Navu delivers reliable, accurate answers. Learn more at Navu.co/MakingChips [http://nacu.co/MakingChips] * Take your shop to the next level with DN Solutions [https://dnsolutions.com] * Why we love the quality of SMW Autoblok [https://smwautoblok.com] workholding Connect with Our Guests * Nush Ahmed on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nusha-ahmed] * Brooke Laing on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=Brooke%20Laing%20Sisterhood%20of%20Trades] * Sisterhood of Trades on TikTok [https://tiktok.com/@sisterhoodoftrades] Connect with Buy the Numbers * Follow on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/102691966/admin/dashboard/] * Connect with Mike Payne on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/growingvalue/] Subscribe to Buy the Numbers on Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/buy-the-numbers/id1774286946] + Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/3dCmT5iQXMQR6O4hiicEpG?si=a70dbd82628140a0]

No Cap: Manufacturing's Generational Communication Breakdown, Ep #47

In this episode of Buy the Numbers, I sat down with Nush Ahmed and Brooke Laing for one of the more entertaining and eye-opening conversations I've had in a while. What started with jokes about generational slang and communication styles quickly turned into a serious discussion about leadership, workplace culture, and what younger generations are actually looking for in manufacturing careers. As someone who's spent decades building teams and leading manufacturing companies, I've seen firsthand how much the workforce has changed. Today, many companies have four or even five generations working side by side, each with different expectations around communication, feedback, work-life balance, and career growth. This episode dives into those differences head-on, from the "no news is good news" mentality many older generations grew up with to the constant feedback and transparency younger workers expect today. We also talked about something I think manufacturing leaders need to hear more often: younger employees want opportunity and involvement, not just a paycheck. Nush and Brooke shared stories about trade shows, networking, community-building, and why companies often miss the mark when they fail to support employees who are trying to grow professionally. Hearing how impactful events like IMTS and industry networking were to their careers reinforced something I strongly believe: if someone on your team wants to learn, connect, and represent your company, you should encourage it. This conversation challenged some of my own assumptions and reinforced others, but more than anything, it highlighted how important communication and intentional leadership are if we want to attract and retain the next generation in manufacturing. Whether you're a shop owner, manager, or someone entering the trades yourself, there's a lot in this episode that will probably sound familiar. And yes, there are still plenty of dad jokes and generational roasts mixed in along the way. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... * (0:00) Mike reflects on the chaotic and hilarious Toolpath Summit recording session * (2:25) Nush and Brooke introduce their backgrounds in trades, manufacturing, and Sisterhood of Trades * (4:08) Navigating multiple generations in today's manufacturing workforce * (6:33) Breaking down Gen Z slang, communication styles, and workplace language gaps * (12:02) How generational communication differences affect management and feedback * (16:16) Get a free report of sales opportunities in your area from FacturMFG.com/chips * (17:25) Mike shares how Hill Manufacturing intentionally built a younger leadership team * (19:56) Why younger workers often feel disconnected from ownership and management * (24:35) Red flags Gen Z notices immediately when evaluating employers * (26:45) Why older generations often equate long hours with commitment and value * (29:46) Gen Z perspectives on work-life balance, proving yourself, and career growth * (32:23) Grow your top and bottom line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) * (33:34) The debate around "family culture" in manufacturing companies * (36:55) What younger workers actually value most from leadership and workplace culture * (38:21) Trying to finance your equipment? Check out Verdantcc.com/numbers * (38:54) The role of pay, flexibility, and opportunity in attracting younger talent * (40:11) Why employers should support younger workers attending trade shows and industry events * (43:10) Brooke shares her experience being laid off after taking time off for industry involvement * (44:03) Stay tuned for part two: A conversation around women in manufacturing and social visibility Resources & People Mentioned * Get a free report of sales opportunities in your area from FacturMFG.com/chips [http://facturmfg.com/chips] * Grow your top and bottom line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) [https://www.claconnect.com/en/] * Trying to finance your equipment? Check out Verdantcc.com/numbers [http://verdantcc.com/numbers] Connect with the Sisterhood of Trades * Sisterhood of Trades [https://www.sisterhoodoftrades.com/] * Nush Ahmed [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nushrata/] on LinkedIn * Brooke Laing [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-laing11/] on LinkedIn * Sisterhood of Trades on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/sisterhood-of-trades/posts/?feedView=all] * Sisterhood of Trades on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/sisterhoodoftrades/] * Sisterhood of Trades on TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@sisterhoodoftrades] Connect With Buy the Numbers * Follow on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/102691966/admin/dashboard/] * Connect with Mike Payne on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/growingvalue/] Subscribe to Buy the Numbers on Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/buy-the-numbers/id1774286946] + Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/3dCmT5iQXMQR6O4hiicEpG?si=a70dbd82628140a0] Audio Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK [https://www.podcastfasttrack.com]

The Real ROI of Automation: CapEx, Capacity & the Cost of Doing Nothing, Ep #46

Recorded live from the DN Solutions open house near Chicago, this special crossover episode blends the worlds of Buy the Numbers and Lights Out into one conversation about manufacturing growth, automation, and the real numbers behind machine tool investments. Surrounded by machines making chips all around us, we dive into what actually drives smart capital expenditures in a modern machine shop. Throughout the episode, we unpack the balancing act between financial discipline and strategic growth. From twin-spindle turning centers to automated five-axis workflows, we discuss how manufacturers should think about throughput, spindle utilization, labor constraints, machine consolidation, and long-term capacity planning. More importantly, we explore how shops can avoid the trap of simply buying equipment because it looks exciting instead of because it solves a real operational need. We also pull back the curtain on how Hill Manufacturing evaluates new opportunities and plans for future growth. Mike walks through a real-world example of assessing a major customer opportunity that could dramatically increase revenue, while simultaneously forcing hard decisions around automation, throughput targets, and production capacity. The result becomes a practical conversation about how manufacturers should approach ROI calculations, CapEx strategy, and investing in capability before they absolutely need it. Along the way, we tackle one of the biggest misconceptions around automation: that it's about replacing people. In reality, we believe automation is about freeing skilled employees from repetitive, low-value tasks so they can focus on setups, process improvement, and higher-level problem solving. Whether it's unattended machining, machine monitoring, or smarter workflows, this episode is ultimately about building manufacturing businesses that run more efficiently, scale more intelligently, and create more freedom for the people inside them. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... * (0:00) A special live crossover episode from the DN Solutions open house blends "Buy the Numbers" and "Lights Out" * (2:15) Mike and Nick discuss the future "roadshow" concept and why tech centers may be the future of manufacturing events * (4:09) Mike explains how he approaches multi-year CapEx planning and evaluating future machine investments * (9:10) Why every machine shop should have a formal capital expenditure strategy * (11:24) Why we love Verdant Commercial Capital for equipment financing * (11:57) How maximizing older equipment and improving workflows can delay unnecessary machine purchases * (16:50) How automation, machine monitoring, and tool optimization work together to increase utilization * (18:30) Why the numbers matter in manufacturing decisions, even when strategic choices go beyond pure ROI * (21:56) The parallels between buying machine tools and acquiring manufacturing businesses * (24:43) The rapid pace of innovation in manufacturing software, automation, and shop-floor technology * (27:43) The true cost of downtime, DIY fixes, and underestimating the value of people's time * (31:10) Why automation is really about freeing skilled employees to do higher-value work * (33:30) Get a free report of sales opportunities in your area from FacturMFG.com/chips * (35:15) Mike walks through evaluating a major new customer opportunity and determining required capacity * (40:24) Grow your top and bottom line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) * (41:04) How ROI calculators and throughput modeling help justify major equipment investments * (45:37) Why service support and machine uptime are critical factors in choosing machine tool partners * (47:16) How automation improves profitability without forcing shops to lower pricing * (49:22) Why profitability is essential for taking care of employees, customers, and the broader community Resources & People Mentioned * Why we love Verdant Commercial Capital [http://verdantcc.com/chips] for equipment financing * Hennig ROI Calculator [https://hennigworldwide.com/roi-calculator] * Grow your top and bottom line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) [https://www.claconnect.com/en/] * Get a free report of sales opportunities in your area from FacturMFG.com/chips [http://facturmfg.com/chips] Connect With Buy the Numbers * Follow on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/102691966/admin/dashboard/] * Connect with Mike Payne on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/growingvalue/] Subscribe to Buy the Numbers on Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/buy-the-numbers/id1774286946] + Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/3dCmT5iQXMQR6O4hiicEpG?si=a70dbd82628140a0] Audio Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK [https://www.podcastfasttrack.com]

The PEO Playbook: How Small Shops Compete Like Big Employers, Ep #45

If you're like most shop owners, HR, payroll, and benefits are necessary evils—important, but far from the reason you got into manufacturing in the first place. Yet those "back-office" functions can quietly drain your time, introduce risk, and even limit your ability to attract and retain great people. In this episode of Buy the Numbers, Mike sits down with Jon from Thrive PEO to unpack one of the most misunderstood tools available to small and mid-sized manufacturers: the Professional Employer Organization (PEO). What starts as a conversation about payroll quickly expands into a broader discussion about risk management, employee benefits, compliance, and how to build a business that can punch above its weight class. They break down common myths—like "we're too small" or "it's just outsourced payroll"—and reveal how PEOs actually create leverage. From accessing Fortune 500-level benefits to removing administrative burdens and reducing liability, this episode reframes HR from a cost center into a strategic advantage. But beyond the numbers, this conversation is really about focus. What happens when you reclaim hours every week? What could you do if you stopped worrying about compliance, payroll taxes, and benefits administration—and started reinvesting that time into growth, people, and profitability? If you've ever felt stretched thin trying to manage everything yourself, this episode might just introduce the "easy button" your business didn't know it needed. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... * (0:00) How PEOs give small businesses access to large-company benefits and pricing * (2:52) What a PEO is and how it consolidates HR, payroll, and benefits * (6:00) Real-world example of fragmented HR functions vs. a unified PEO solution * (8:07) Myth: "We're too small for a PEO" and why size doesn't matter * (11:33) Leveraging pooled buying power to offer better, more affordable benefits * (14:57) Breaking down the "too expensive" myth with real financial logic * (17:14) Grow your top and bottom line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) * (18:11) The three pillars of HR within a PEO: compliance, support, and technology * (19:55) Using PEOs as a resource for handling sensitive employee situations * (22:31) Enhancing employee experience through onboarding and HR tech * (23:39) Real example: outdated employee policies and the risk of non-compliance * (25:39) Constantly evolving employment laws and the challenge of staying compliant * (27:11) Integrating HR systems with quality management and compliance requirements * (29:38) Get a free report of sales opportunities in your area from FacturMFG.com/chips * (30:46) Opportunity cost: what business owners could do with time saved * (34:04) Hidden costs: liability, lawsuits, and compliance risks * (36:20) Expanding into retirement benefits and 401(k) access through PEOs * (39:16) Quality of life improvements for owners and leadership teams * (41:02) Why you need to have a conversation with Verdant Commercial Capital * (41:41) How to evaluate and choose the right PEO provider * (44:34) Payroll tax risks and real-world horror stories for small businesses * (46:56) Cash flow challenges and how PEOs stabilize payroll-related expenses * (49:53) Key criteria: people, processes, and platform when selecting a PEO * (53:21) How to connect with Jon to explore Thrive PEO for your business * (55:16) Final takeaway: using a PEO to "punch above your weight" in talent and growth Resources & People Mentioned * MakingChips Seasons: Small Shop Owners Can Thrive with a PEO, 349 [https://makingchips.com/makingchips-seasons-small-shop-owners-can-thrive-with-a-peo-349/] * Grow your top and bottom line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) [https://www.claconnect.com/en/] * Get a free report of sales opportunities in your area from FacturMFG.com/chips [http://facturmfg.com/chips] * Why you need to have a conversation with Verdant Commercial Capital [http://verdantcc.com/numbers] * NAPEO.org [http://napeo.org] Connect with Jon Scoggins * Thrive PEO [https://www.thrivepeo.com/] * Connect on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-scoggins-b9369a1/] Connect With Buy the Numbers * Follow on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/102691966/admin/dashboard/] * Connect with Mike Payne on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/growingvalue/] Subscribe to Buy the Numbers on Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/buy-the-numbers/id1774286946] + Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/3dCmT5iQXMQR6O4hiicEpG?si=a70dbd82628140a0]

Breaking the Ceiling: Systems, Data, and the Truth About Scaling a Machine Shop, Ep #44

Breaking the Ceiling: Systems, Data, and the Truth About Scaling a Machine Shop, Ep #44 Manufacturing will humble you—no matter how good you get. I was talking with someone recently about how this might be the only industry where you can perform at a world-class level and still lose money on scrap. That's just the reality we operate in. So the question becomes: how do you build a business that can actually handle that kind of pressure? In this episode of Buy the Numbers, I sit down with Scott Shortess—someone I've known and trusted for years—to talk through what it really takes to break through that next level of growth. We've both seen shops get stuck. Flat revenue, constant firefighting, and that feeling that no matter what you do, you're not gaining ground. I've been there myself. For me, one of the biggest shifts came when I realized I couldn't scale without better systems, processes, and visibility. Scott shares a similar journey—moving from a legacy system that no longer fit the business to something that completely transformed how his shop operates. And I've seen that transformation firsthand. It's not just about better data—it's about changing how your entire organization thinks and works. We also get into the reality of what's happening right now with AI, custom-built systems, and the temptation to "just figure it out yourself." I've seen a lot of people go down that road. And while it can work, the bigger question is: is that really the best use of your time as a business owner? At the end of the day, this episode is about clarity. When you have the right systems in place, you stop guessing. You stop reacting. And you start making decisions with confidence. That's what allows you to grow—and just as importantly, actually enjoy the business you've built. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... * (0:00) Why manufacturing is one of the hardest industries—and learning to accept failure as part of the game * (2:51) Scott's background, our relationship, and why collaboration matters (even among competitors) * (7:19) How ProShop is critical to your ability to operate and scale * (12:25) The chaos of operating without visibility—and how systems create accountability * (16:22) The "4 P's": People, Process, Product, Profit—and why profit can't be ignored * (18:12) Data, KPIs, and what actually matters to customers (quality, delivery, price) * (21:25) Head to the DN Solutions Manufacturing Without Limits event * (22:27) "Opportunity to cash": how to think about the flow of a manufacturing business * (27:28) You're never too small to implement an ERP * (30:02) Check out the Hennig WorkFlow Automated Pallet Delivery System * (30:55) AI, "vibe coding," and the temptation to build your own systems * (40:05) Using data to make better decisions—including when to say "no" * (41:20) Culture transformation: how systems change behavior across the business * (46:25) Why industry best practices beat homegrown systems * (49:44) Manufacturing vs. baseball: embracing imperfection in a high-stakes industry * (50:11) Real-world example of speed, planning, and execution under pressure * (52:49) Grow your top and bottom line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) * (53:30) The biggest operational shifts: visibility, capacity, and flow * (57:48) The ultimate benefit: getting your time back as an owner Resources & People Mentioned * ProShop ERP [https://proshoperp.com/] * Head to the DN Solutions Manufacturing Without Limits event [https://www.dn-solutions.com/] * Check out the Hennig WorkFlow Automated Pallet Delivery System [https://hennigworldwide.com/workflow] * Grow your top and bottom line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) [https://www.claconnect.com/en/] Connect with Scott Shortess * Advanced PMC [https://advcosinc.com/] * Scott Shortess on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/s-scott-shortess-b30aaa1a/] Connect With Buy the Numbers * Follow on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/102691966/admin/dashboard/] * Connect with Mike Payne on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/growingvalue/] Subscribe to Buy the Numbers on Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/buy-the-numbers/id1774286946] + Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/3dCmT5iQXMQR6O4hiicEpG?si=a70dbd82628140a0] Audio Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK [https://www.podcastfasttrack.com]