MakingSparks

?? 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

Finding skilled welders is harder than ever, but the next generation has the opportunity to learn differently. In school, you might crowd around a demo and try to catch a clear view. But on Weld.com, you can rewind an up close video, slow it down, and see every detail. In this episode, Beau Wigington shares how this platform is changing how welders learn and what that means for fabrication shops trying to attract and retain talent. If you're struggling with hiring or training your team, you don't want to miss this conversation! ??? Listen now: https://lnkd.in/gPmECiHk #MetalFabrication #MetalWorkingNation #Welding #Recruitment #Training #Fabrication

?? Looking to Hire for Key Positions in Your Manufacturing Business? Let’s talk about the old way vs. the smart way of hiring in manufacturing. Old Way: ? ?? Post job opportunities on LinkedIn, your website, and job boards. ?? Wait (and wait…) for candidates to apply. ?? Spend after-hours filtering through applications. ?? Schedule and conduct multiple interviews. ?? Maybe find the right fit… or restart the process. Smart Way: ? ?? Go to HireMFGLeaders.com ?? Fill out a simple form. ?? Get a callback from HireMFGLeaders.com. ?? Get connected to the HireMFGLeaders.com recruitment partner. ?? Receive a short list of hand-selected, top-quality candidates. Old Way < HireMFGLeaders.com Stop wasting time. Start hiring smarter. ?? Ready to find your next A-player? Visit HireMFGLeaders.com today. #GrowingValue #DataDrivenDecisions #NumbersMatter #MFGLeader #MakingChips #SaveAShop #Manufacturing #MFGCareers #Hiring #Recruitment #ManufacturingLeadership Buy the Numbers# MakingChips Myles Rickerd Tree Top Staffing LLC Machine Shop Mastery Lights Out MakingSparks Nick Goellner Paul Van Metre Matthew Nix Casey Voelker Jennifer Dubose Kaleb Mertz Hill Manufacturing & Fabrication

?? Are You Ready for CMMC? ?? ? Should you be ? Cybersecurity isn’t just an IT problem anymore, it’s a legit manufacturing problem breathing down your neck! If you work with the DoD (or plan to), new CMMC compliance deadlines are looming in 2025… and they’re not optional. But even if you don’t work in defense, cyber threats are real, growing, and a direct risk to your business. ?? What is CMMC? The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is designed to protect unclassified but sensitive data—ensuring security across the supply chain. ?? Why Should You Care? ?? Protects your business from growing cyber threats. ?? Ensures compliance before the 2025 deadline. ?? What You’ll Learn in Monday’s MakingChips Episode: ? Why the DoD implemented CMMC. ? The cybersecurity requirements you must meet. ? Steps to get your business ready. ? Waivers & exceptions—what you need to know. We sat down with Jacob Horne with Summit 7, an absolute CMMC compliance professional, to understand it all. I’ll admit, I thought I understood the basics…I didn’t, basically at all! ?? Don’t get caught off guard. Tune in Monday for a look into cybersecurity & compliance for manufacturing. ?? Listen at: MakingChips.com or your favorite podcast player #GrowingValue #DataDrivenDecisions #NumbersMatter #MFGLeader #MakingChips #SaveAShop #Manufacturing #CyberSecurity #CMMC #Industry40 #DoD #MFGCommunity #ManufacturingLeadership Buy the Numbers# MakingChips Machine Shop Mastery Lights Out MakingSparks Nick Goellner Paul Van Metre Matthew Nix Casey Voelker Jennifer Dubose Kaleb Mertz Hill Manufacturing & Fabrication

Absolute pleasure hosting Matthew Nix from Nix Industrial in Tulsa! We toured a few shops, including Hill Manufacturing & Fabrication, had an outstanding dinner, and of course…Maddie got some well-earned leftovers. We also recorded a great episode of Buy the Numbers#, diving deep into operational KPIs and how to track the right numbers and use them to drive your business toward its goals. Powerful stuff! Be sure to check out Matthew Nix’s podcast, MakingSparks, and grab a copy of Forging Ahead, written by Angela Klink, which tells the incredible 100+ year history of his family’s legacy in the #MetalworkingNation. #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

Welders used to rely on shop veterans to pass down knowledge. Now, YouTube and Social Media are giving aspiring & seasoned fabricators access to top-tier welding education anytime, anywhere. In this episode, Matthew Nix, Casey Voelker & Beau Wigington from Weld.com talk about how online content is reshaping the welding industry. From hands-on training videos to behind the scenes looks at fabrication jobs, these efforts are bridging the skills gap like never before. Check out this episode to learn: ?? How digital content is the future of welding education ?? How shops can use social media to recruit talent + win customers ?? What's coming soon at Weld.com If you're looking to stay ahead of the curve, you'll want to listen in to learn how to fuel your business growth with online content! ?? https://lnkd.in/gPmECiHk #MetalFabrication #MetalWorkingNation #BusinessGrowth #Welding #Education

Tired of the back-and-forth with metal pricing? Waiting on quotes, unclear costs, and wasted time slows you down. In this episode, we talk about a better way—instant pricing, real-time purchasing, and full transparency. Watch now and see how you can simplify your metal buying process. ?? https://lnkd.in/gPmECiHk #MetalFabrication #SteelIndustry #Manufacturing #FabTech #MetalPricing Lee Letourneau Bryzos

Honored to be part of this group to help equip & inspire #MetalWorkingNation ?????