MakingChips

?? The Boring Bar Newsletter is now on LinkedIn! Tune in each week to find links to all of our episodes in one convenient place and get short introductions to each episode. We'll also routinely share interesting content, manufacturing news, and BIG updates. What else should we include? Let us know in the comments ?? Jason Zenger ???? Nick Goellner Mike Payne Paul Van Metre

?? Unpacking Real-World Applications of AI in Manufacturing with Bryce Barnes ??? In this episode of MakingChips, we sit down with AI consultant Bryce Barnes to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the manufacturing industry. Bryce, a former mechanical engineer, breaks down real-world AI applications that can help manufacturers of all sizes improve efficiency, reduce costs, and streamline both shop floor and back-office operations. From AI-assisted CNC programming to optimizing quoting and project management, the possibilities are endless ?? In this episode, you’ll learn: ? Practical ways to implement AI in manufacturing ? How AI is already working behind the scenes in your shop (whether you know it or not!) ? The future of AI in manufacturing and how to stay ahead ? Actionable advice to kickstart your AI journey today This episode is packed with insights and real-life examples to help you understand how AI can drive business success ?? ?? Listen now and start unpacking AI for your shop! Mike Payne Nick Goellner Paul Van Metre #Manufacturing #AIinManufacturing #SmartManufacturing #CNC #Innovation #TechInManufacturing #ManufacturingLeadership #MakingChips

?? Unpacking Real-World Applications of AI in Manufacturing with Bryce Barnes ??? In this episode of MakingChips, we sit down with AI consultant Bryce Barnes to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the manufacturing industry. Bryce, a former mechanical engineer, breaks down real-world AI applications that can help manufacturers of all sizes improve efficiency, reduce costs, and streamline both shop floor and back-office operations. From AI-assisted CNC programming to optimizing quoting and project management, the possibilities are endless ?? In this episode, you’ll learn: ? Practical ways to implement AI in manufacturing ? How AI is already working behind the scenes in your shop (whether you know it or not!) ? The future of AI in manufacturing and how to stay ahead ? Actionable advice to kickstart your AI journey today This episode is packed with insights and real-life examples to help you understand how AI can drive business success ?? ?? Listen now and start unpacking AI for your shop! Mike Payne Nick Goellner Paul Van Metre #Manufacturing #AIinManufacturing #SmartManufacturing #CNC #Innovation #TechInManufacturing #ManufacturingLeadership #MakingChips

I don’t always hire manufacturing leaders… but I wish they all were! ?? Hiring for manufacturing leadership isn’t like hiring for other industries. You need someone who: #?? Fits your culture #?? Fits your technical needs #?? Can grow with you That’s why HireMFGLeaders.com exists—to connect manufacturers with leaders who actually get it. ?? Need a strong manufacturing leader for your team? Start here: ?? HireMFGLeaders.com #GrowingValue #DataDrivenDecisions #NumbersMatter #MFGLeader #MakingChips #SaveAShop #Manufacturing #Leadership #Hiring #Recruiting #ManufacturingLeaders #MFGHiring MakingChips Machine Shop Mastery Lights Out Buy the Numbers# MakingSparks Nick Goellner Paul Van Metre Matthew Nix Casey Voelker Jennifer Dubose Kaleb Mertz Hill Manufacturing & Fabrication Myles Rickerd Tree Top Staffing LLC

We dive into the details in this week's episodes of MakingChips and Buy the Numbers! Jacob Horne drives home the importance of cybersecurity and covers the nuance of CMMC. Daniel O'Keefe covers what you need to know to inject cash into your business so you can focus on doing what you do best. Links to all episodes are in the newsletter ?? Mike Payne Nick Goellner Paul Van Metre #Manufacturing #CMMC #Finance #BusinessGrowth #MakingChips #BuyTheNumbers

?? Big news for the #MetalworkingNation! ?? At MakingChips, we know that the biggest challenge for manufacturing leaders isn’t just finding more work—it’s finding the right people to get the job done. It feels like the most universal problem that we share with our peers. That’s why we’ve launched a personalized recruiting service designed specifically for the metalworking industry. ?? This isn't just another job board. We leverage our industry expertise, network, and deep understanding of manufacturing to connect top-tier talent with the right shops. Whether you’re looking to hire skilled machinists, engineers, or executive manufacturing leaders, we can help you build a team that drives results. Tagging my fellow MakingChips manufacturing leaders who helped launch this program: ?? Mike Payne ?? Paul Van Metre ?? Matthew Nix ?? Casey Voelker ?? Kaleb Mertz ?? David Vuyk ?? Mike Fritz CEO ?? Kirk Phelps ?? Jennifer Dubose ?? Myles Rickerd ?? Tree Top Staffing LLC If you're struggling to find top talent, let's talk! ?? Drop a comment below or DM me to learn more. #InstaMachinist #MetalworkingNation #CNC #ManufacturingLeader #MachinistLife #JobShop #PrecisionMachining #ManufacturingJobs #MadeInUSA #AerospaceMachining #Engineering #MachineShop #ManufacturingMatters #SkilledTrades #MetalFabrication #Welding #IndustrialAutomation #ManufacturingTechnology #Machining #MFG

“We can’t find people to get into the welding industry.” Maybe that’s because they think it’s boring. But what if they knew the truth? ?? You can weld a spaceship ?? You can build a race car ?? You can work with precision robotic welding ?? You can master orbital welding in high-tech industries The welding industry is full of incredible opportunities, but we need to do a better job of showing the next generation what’s possible. In this episode, Beau Wigington from Weld LLC talks about how digital content is opening people’s eyes to the coolest parts of the trade and why fabricators need to rethink how they attract talent. ?? Watch now: https://lnkd.in/gPmECiHk

?? Do you need an injection of cash to run your manufacturing business? ?? More importantly—do you know what it takes to get what you need? In the latest episode of Buy the Numbers, I sit down with Daniel O'Keefe, Senior Vice President at Busey Bank, to walk you through the crucial steps of securing a line of credit for your business. We cover the financial documents you need—including profit and loss statements and accounts receivable aging reports—and why these are essential for getting approved. But it’s not just about having the right documents—Dan also shares tips on how to make your business more attractive to banks by showcasing strong cash flow, inventory management, and the ability to manage receivables. Plus, we discuss the importance of building a strong relationship with your banker. A solid connection can make all the difference in getting the capital you need to grow. This episode is packed with actionable insights to help you get what you need for your business to run smoothly. ?? Listen to Episode 12:?https://lnkd.in/dq5EHsUS #BuyTheNumbers #MakingChips #MetalworkingNation #Manufacturing #Finance #LineOfCredit #BusinessGrowth

If your cash flow is rock solid, keep scrolling... But if you’ve ever sweated payroll or wondered how the hell you’re supposed to finance new equipment...listen up! Today on Buy the Numbers#, I’m talking with Daniel O'Keefe from Busey Bank, and we cut through the banker-speak to show you how to actually get the cash you need to grow. Here’s what we’re covering: #?? What banks actually wanna see - P&L statements, balance sheets, AR aging reports, inventory reports, and tax returns ?? (Yeah, you gotta have your numbers dialed in.) #?? How banks judge your shop - Cash flow, inventory management, and whether you can actually pay them back ?? #?? Why a good banker is critical - Trust, consistency, and never giving you a headache ?? #?? How to make your shop more “loan-worthy” - Stability, growth, and showing the bank you aren't a risk ?? ?? Money’s out there - you just gotta know how to ask for it. ?? Listen to Episode #12: "Banking Secrets for Manufacturers: How to Secure the Cash You Need" now! Find it on your favorite player or MakingChips.com #GrowingValue #DataDrivenDecisions #NumbersMatter #MFGLeader #MakingChips #SaveAShop MakingChips Machine Shop Mastery Lights Out MakingSparks Nick Goellner Paul Van Metre Matthew Nix Casey Voelker Jennifer Dubose Kaleb Mertz Hill Manufacturing & Fabrication

If you own your shop building and haven’t done a Cost Segregation Study, you’re burning money. ?? Most manufacturers treat their building like a 39-year asset—but that’s a mistake. ?? ?? A Cost Segregation Study could put cash back in your pocket—fast. A few weeks ago on Buy the Numbers# episode, I sat down with Dylan and Nick Romanelli from CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen)(CliftonLarsonAllen LLP) to break down how manufacturers can use various tax strategies to keep more cash working for them. The one I have personally heard most from people is Cost Seg studies... ?? What heck is a Cost Seg Study? Instead of depreciating your entire building over 39 years, a study reclassifies certain assets (like electrical, HVAC, flooring, or equipment foundations) to 5, 7, or 15-year depreciation schedules. ?? How Much Can It Save? Let’s say you buy a $3M facility. A Cost Seg study might reclassify 30% of the purchase price into shorter depreciation categories. ?? Without Cost Segregation: Standard depreciation = ~$75K per year ?? With Cost Segregation: Accelerated depreciation = ~$300K+ in first few years That’s an extra $225K+ in deductions, reducing taxable income and keeping more cash in your business. ?? Who Should Consider It? ? You own your shop building or recently built/purchased one ? You’ve invested in leasehold improvements, machinery foundations, or custom buildouts ? You want to reduce tax burden and reinvest in growth If you haven’t done a Cost Segregation Study, now is the time to check with your CPA or get a hold of Nick or Dylan to learn more! ?? Catch the full episode of Buy the Numbers to hear how manufacturers are using this strategy to free up capital! #GrowingValue #DataDrivenDecisions #NumbersMatter #MFGLeader #MakingChips #SaveAShop MakingChips Machine Shop Mastery Lights Out MakingSparks Nick Goellner Paul Van Metre Matthew Nix Casey Voelker Jennifer Dubose Kaleb Mertz Hill Manufacturing & Fabrication Leslie Boyd Jennifer Clement