New Beginnings

We've had a busy week in the MakingChips world, including announcing that Jason Zenger, the MakingChips OG, is moving on to his next chapter (more on the why and "what's next" here).

We also officially welcome the newest member of the MakingChips family, Machine Shop Mastery, into the mix.

Let's recap, shall we?

After nearly a decade of shaping MakingChips—spending close to 25% of his life on this journey—Jason Zenger is saying goodbye to the podcast that transformed the manufacturing space.?

As one of the original trailblazers, Jason helped create a platform that built community, sparked essential conversations, and made manufacturing more approachable as a career. His vision and dedication inspired others to start their own podcasts, like Paul’s “Machine Shop Mastery.”

Jason’s legacy isn’t just MakingChips. It’s the relationships, the #MetalworkingNation community, and the countless leaders who’ve been equipped and inspired along the way.?

As Jason transitions to his next adventure—launching his podcast “Workmen of the Word”?and writing his book, “Lead Like It’s Your Last Day”—he reflects on the power of community, education, and learning to prioritize what truly matters.

Join us as we celebrate Jason’s contributions, reflect on the journey, and look ahead to the next chapter for him and MakingChips.

LISTEN HERE

In this special FABTECH edition of Making Sparks, Casey Voelker and Matthew Nix sit down with two incredible guests, Barbie the Welder and Sarah Stotk, to dive into the artistry, resilience, and transformative power of welding.

This episode is packed with personal stories, empowering lessons, and plenty of laughs. Whether you’re a welder, a creator, or just someone looking for inspiration, this conversation will leave you motivated to spark your own creativity. Watch now and get ready to see welding in a whole new light!

LISTEN HERE

WATCH HERE

From the beginning, Greg McArthur recognized the power of social media as a cornerstone of NTL’s growth. He embraced platforms like LinkedIn to build a following, share exceptional work, and attract new clients.

Greg’s mantra is clear: if you’re not promoting yourself every day, you’re missing opportunities. By leveraging social media as a free marketing tool, NTL has gained exposure, received RFQs, and established a reputation for excellence.

In this episode, Greg shares his story, insights on growing a machine shop, and advice for young entrepreneurs in manufacturing. Whether it’s navigating an economic downturn, diversifying into new markets, or overcoming challenges like labor shortages, Greg’s practical wisdom is a must-hear for anyone looking to grow their business.

LISTEN HERE

WATCH HERE

Did you know you could be leaving tens—or even hundreds—of thousands of dollars on the table every year? Most manufacturers don’t realize the incredible potential of grants to fund new projects, invest in equipment, and upskill their workforce.

In this episode of Buy the Numbers, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about manufacturing grants, with insights from Micki Vandeloo, a seasoned expert who has helped manufacturers secure over $185 million in funding.

Whether you’re just starting your search or looking to maximize your opportunities, Micki outlines actionable steps and key tips to navigate the grant process. You’ll learn:

• How grants can revolutionize your business (and how Micki leveraged them to secure millions).
• The most common types of grants available to manufacturers, from training to equipment investments.
• Practical steps to get started, including where to find opportunities at the state, federal, and local levels.
• How to stack multiple grants to lower project costs and maximize impact.
• The importance of well-defined projects and detailed applications to increase your chances of success.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make grant funding work for your business, this is the episode you don’t want to miss. Tune in to discover how you can tap into grants to grow, innovate, and secure the future of your manufacturing business.?Don’t let this money go unused.

LISTEN HERE

That's a wrap for this week's recap! Stay tuned—next week we'll drop some more in-depth resources for the metalworking nation.