Lights Out

?? 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

?? 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

?? 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

Is your shop stuck in a cycle of small-volume, quick-turn jobs? If you’ve found yourself quoting only for small, short-turnaround projects and struggling to break out of that pattern, this episode of Machine Shop Mastery is exactly what you need to hear ?? I had the chance to chat with Marvin Rodriguez from True Precision Machining, who shares the blueprint for transitioning from low-volume job shop work to high-volume, contract manufacturing. True Precision has made this shift successfully, and Marvin lays out the strategic steps they took to make it happen. From refining pricing strategies to embracing operational efficiency and growing into larger contracts, Marvin offers a masterclass in scaling your shop the right way. If you’re looking to take your business to the next level, don’t miss this episode! ?? Listen on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you enjoy your podcasts – and be sure to check out the YouTube channel, too! ?? Come back and let us know what you learned – let's continue the conversation in the comments! #MachineShopMastery #ContractManufacturing #BusinessGrowth #PrecisionMachining #HighVolume #ManufacturingExcellence #LeadershipInManufacturing #LeanManufacturing #ShopCulture #ManufacturingTips #MakingChips