63. Solving the Puzzle of Strategic Growth with Jason Davis from D&D EnterprisesJason is the second-generation CEO of D&D Enterprises, an AS9100-certified precision machining company specializing in aerospace and other high-tech industries that was founded by his father and uncle in 1976.  When Jason joined the company 25 years ago, he started focusing on some of the more business-focused aspects of the company, such as customer communication. That focus, as well as decisions to be widely diversified in their equipment capabilities, focus on sales and marketing, employee retention, and a host of other solid moves have lead to strong growth over the years. Jason freely shares many of the puzzle pieces that he’s helped the company put together, which have led to that success and made D&D the strong company it is today.About D&D Enterprises:We specialize in Horizontal Machining, Vertical Machining, Assembly and Kitting.Established and Family owned since 1976, we have over four decades and three generations of knowledge and experience that give us a unique advantage in providing simple or specialized products. We are able to provide value and innovation by focusing on continuous improvement and streamlined processes.Follow Jason and D&D Enterprises on Social Media:Personal LI: /jason-davis Company LI: /d-d-enterprises-of-greensboro-incWebsite: www.ddent-usa.comFacebook: /ddenterprisesofgreensboroInstagram: /ddenterprisesofgreensboro

62. Automating Your Way to Success with Scott Harms from MetalQuest UnlimitedScott Harms knows a thing or two about highly automated CNC machining.  Since he started MetalQuest Unlimited at the age of 22, he’s made millions and millions of parts on highly automated machines that he and his team have integrated themselves.  Acquiring his first robot in 2011 and doing all the integration themselves, the now have 18 robots tending to their many CNCs, and they’ve invested significantly in their 3 Index multi-spindle machines at their second facility in Idaho. From explaining what it takes to build a culture of pushing forward every day, to the challenges of creating the ultimate process control, to the rationale for starting a second facility far away from their first, this episode is packed with actionable advice and infectious enthusiasm for this industry we love so much.  Enjoy and learn.About MetalQuest Unlimited:MetalQuest Unlimited delivers unrivaled, full-service contractmanufacturing thanks to our innovative production techniques and customer-centered collaborations.Follow Scott and MetalQuest Unlimited on Social Media:Personal LI: /scott-harms Company LI: /metalquest-unlimited-inc-Website: www.metalquest.netFacebook: /MetalQuestUnlimitedInstagram: /metalquest

61. Growing Well at Massive Scale with Peter Doyle from Hirsh PrecisionGrowing any business 80% over a few years is a major achievement.  Doing it with a precision machining organization is nearly unheard of.  And doing it well, without too much collateral damage, takes serious skills. Those are skills that Peter Doyle has, although he might not admit it.  The growth story of Hirsch Precision under Peter’s leadership is really fascinating. Peter is a real student of leadership, business management and world-class performance, and he shares many of his ideas, tactics, and strategies in this great interview. Get your pens and notepads out and enjoy this conversation with Peter Doyle, CEO of Hirsch Precision.About Hirsh Precision:Hirsh Precision is a precision CNC machining solutions provider, partnering with engineers from the aerospace, medical, industrial, and scientific sectors. Visit us at hppi.com to learn more about how we can help with your next project. Follow Peter Doyle and Hirsh Precision on Social Media:Personal LI: /peter-doyle Company LI: /hirshprecisionWebsite: www.hppi.comFacebook: /HirshPrecisionInstagram: @hirshprecisionYouTube: /HirshPrecisionX: @HirshPrecision

60. Running Machines 168 Hours a Week with Jim Goerges from Precision Tool Technologies Jim is a finance guy with a passion for machining and never giving up on achieving maximum production. Those passions have helped fuel the growth of Precision Tool Technologies and 168 Manufacturing which Jim leads. In this episode we go deep on the concepts, strategies and tactics of getting maximum production in a precision machining business. We also discuss company building with the team you hire, the tenants live by and the values that guide the organization.  Jim is a high energy, fun, and humble guy that you’re sure to enjoy learning from.About Precision Tool Technologies:Precision Tool is an original equipment manufacturer of products for the prescription eye-wear industry and CNC machine shops. Customer's are worldwide and our product offering includes equipment, precision machined gages, jigs, fixtures, processing components, injection molded parts, fabricated stainless steel vessels, and custom components and equipment. We have 2 operating locations with engineering, tool and design, mold making, manufacturing engineering, and warehousing for products. We sell and distribute products worldwide. Follow Jim Goerges and Precision Tool Technologies on Social Media:Personal LI: /jim-goerges Company LI: /precision-tool-technologies-inc-Website: www.precisiontooltech.comFacebook: /PrecisiontooltechX: @PrecisionToolYouTube: /MrPrecision10

59. Buying and Growing a Machine Shop Part-time with Gillen Young from Custom ToolGillen Young and his brother bought Custom Tool in 2010 and have grown it fourfold since, including buying another shop as well. One of the most interesting parts of this story is that Gillen has a regular full-time job and leads Custom Tool as CEO and President part-time. Gillen is also the Chairman of NTMA and has some great insights to share from his time at NTMA.  Gillen shares the growth story of Custom Tool, and the things they’ve done to grow it so significantly.  He also shares some unique insights about the power of connection, communication and sharing among peers and the greater community. For anyone interested in growing, buying or selling a shop, this is a can’t-miss episode!About Custom Tool: Since 1991, we have been a trusted supplier of precision metal working services and machined component parts. We manufacture parts used in various markets such as automotive fuel and filtration systems, oil field valves, surveillance equipment, and military hardware. Our customers consistently rate us high in on-time delivery with low rejection rates. We are committed to providing value to our customers with the services we offer and the relationships we build.Follow Gillen Young and Custom Tool on Social Media: Personal LI: /gillen-young-b2863b Company LI: /custom-tool-inc-cookeville-tn Website: www.customtoolinc.com

58. How to Find, Buy, & Grow a Shop with Mike Fritz from Quick Tek Machining Part 2In this Part 2 episode with Mike Fritz of Quick Tek Machining, we first learn about the factors that make a shop saleable and valuable. Mike then shares his process for deciding what type of shop to buy, where the sources of possible deals are, and which specific shop he wants to buy. Then how to value the business and structure the deal.  We then discuss how to structure the team and org chart so that he can rely on a team to run the business while he finds the next company to buy.  It’s a simple and scalable model that anyone can follow to get into the industry, or grow within the industry to generate significant value for their shareholders!About Quick Tek Machining:QTM is a fast growing machine shop that serves many different industries including robotics, automotive, boating, motorcycles and more.Follow Mike and Quick Tek Machining on Social Media:Personal LI: /mikefritzrealestateCompany LI: /quick-tek-machining

57. Buying 4 Machine Shops in 2 Years with Mike Fritz from Quick Tek MachiningBefore Mike Fritz bought Quick Tek in 2022, he had been a speaker and consultant on building high-performing teams. He’s taken that skill set and decided to go all-in with the precision machining industry. After buying Quick Tek, he has quickly bought 3 more additional shops in the next 2 years. His approach is a model for how an outsider to the industry can have huge success, even without being an expert machinist. Mike is completely transparent about how he’s approached this and why he’s so passionate about supporting and building manufacturing companies.  This is a can’t-miss episode, and it only part 1.  Join us soon for part 2 as well!About Quick Tek Machining:QTM is a fast growing machine shop that serves many different industries including robotics, automotive, boating, motorcycles and more.Follow Mike and Quick Tek Machining on Social Media:Personal LI: /mikefritzrealestateCompany LI: /quick-tek-machining

56. From Startup to Industry Leader with John Newman from Athena ManufacturingPaul sits down with John Newman from Athena Manufacturing, a 200-person machining and fabrication company in Austin, Texas. John shares his remarkable journey of growing two successful companies in the manufacturing industry. Starting with a small six-person shop in 1995, John and his partner Bill Johnson scaled their first business to 100 employees in just 17 months. After selling the company and briefly retiring, they found themselves back in the industry, building Athena Manufacturing into the thriving business it is today. John delves into the challenges and successes they faced, emphasizing the importance of financial controls, job costing, and building a strong company culture. He also highlights the critical role of continuous learning and workforce development in maintaining a competitive edge. John’s enthusiasm and dedication to the industry shines, and he offering valuable lessons for anyone looking to build or grow a machine shop. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation filled with practical advice and stories of resilience and innovation!About Athena Manufacturing:Athena Manufacturing offers precision machining, precision fabrication, mechanical assembly and mechanical design services. Our customers include prime Tier-1 OEMs in the aerospace & defense, semiconductor equipment, and many other industries. Follow John and Athena Manufacturing on Social Media:Personal LI: /john-newmanCompany LI: /athenamfgWebsite: www.athenamfg.com

55. High Spindle Uptime & Happy Employees with Nathan Byman from Wolfram ManufacturingBefore Nathan Byman started Wolfram Manufacturing in 2011, he learned a lot about what he liked and didn’t like about machining and management, at other businesses.  He’s taken the best learnings (and a TON he’s learned since) to make Wolfram into a fast-growing powerhouse business that is extremely focused on technology, making chips ALL the time, and having very happy employees, who in turn delight their customers.  That’s turned into a software product called OnTakt which helps them manage all the details to get that super high spindle utilization. It’s a powerful and winning formula that you’ll want to learn more about. Enjoy the conversation.About Wolfram Manufacturing:Wolfram Manufacturing Technologies develops, distributes, and integrates advanced technologies that enable manufacturers to run CNC machines more profitably with less operator attention. Wolfram utilizes the advanced technologies they offer daily in their production CNC shop. They are the exclusive Caron Engineering integrator for the Western US. In April of 2022, Wolfram released its software, OnTakt, a machine monitoring and production management software that systematically and permanently reduces machine downtime. Wolfram Manufacturing Technologies has an open-door policy, inviting customers and prospects to see the technology in action their Production Technology Center. Follow Nathan and Wolfram Manufacturing on Social Media:Personal LI: /nathan-byman Company LI: /wolfram-manufacturing-technologiesWebsite: www.wolframmfg.comFB: @WolframMfgIG: @wolframmfgX: @WolframMfg

54. The Virtues of Niche Manufacturing Excellence with Matt Gustafson from ClinkenbeardMatt grew up on the shop floor of Clinkenbeard, a business his father bought in the late 70s and he became a pattern maker. He is now the President and leads this incredible AS9100-certified company that specializes in highly complex 5-axis machined parts and highly specialized training devices for the defense and space industries. Picture a full-scale, 100% realistic model of an F35 engine for use by technicians learning to service these engines in the field. Super cool! And lucrative! While Matt doesn’t disclose their margins, they have exceptional revenue per employee, no doubt affected by their aggressive adoption of technology to increase efficiency, but also their specialization in niche industries where that specialization puts them in a great position to have strong financial performance.About Clinkenbeard:Since 1966 Clinkenbeard has served industrial and aerospace OEM’s with rapid turnaround complex machined parts and assemblies. We are a worldwide leader in the rapid prototyping and production of complex cast and machined parts and have the internal resources and the engineering horsepower to tackle large, complex problems with concurrent manufacturing engineering support.Follow Matt and Clinkenbeard on Social Media:Personal LI: /matt-gustafson Company LI: /clinkenbeardWebsite: www.clinkenbeard.comFB: @ClinkenbeardM2MX: @Clinkenbeard

53. Father & Son Fun = Success at Mactech with Joel and Luke Wittenbraker from MactechMactech is a fascinating business that specializes in on-site machining services and equipment.  It’s a very different type of business than a traditional machine shop where all work is done in a facility.  Their company history is a fascinating one, and a fun one, where we learn that hard work and fun can go hand in hand with great success. Learn about this great story and company in this entertaining episode that will surely leave you smiling!About Mactech: Mactech is one of the world’s foremost providers of on-site machining services, on-site heat treating services, and stress-relieving equipment. Mactech provides both products and on-site services for major industries worldwide including petro-chemical, pulp and paper, power generation and ship-building. Our key strength is the ability to assist you with routine and specialty applications – our on-site solutions team can handle any task and will develop solutions from start to finish. Mactech’s excellent reputation for short lead-time and quick response is unsurpassed in the industry.Follow Joel, Luke and Mactech on Social Media:Joel's Personal LI: /joel-wittenbrakerLuke's Personal LI: /luke-wittenbraker Company LI: /mactech-on-siteWebsite: www.mactechonsite.comFB: @mactechonsite

52. From Founding to Exit with Keith Bernardo from M&K EngineeringThe M&K Engineering story is a fantastic American Dream Story.  From immigrant founding parents, to the kids taking over the business, leading to an eventual successful exit to a much larger manufacturer.  Keith digs in deep on their story and the decisions and strategies that they employed to grow the team, the culture, and the client base. It becomes clear throughout the interview, why M&K was so successful. From learning from consultants and mentors, to their fanatical focus on culture, to intentionally building their vertical manufacturing capabilities, this is a brilliant study on how to do it right.  Get your notepad out and enjoy this episode with Keith Bernardo. Follow Keith on Social Media:Personal LI: /keith-bernardoCompany LI: /blue-zone-capital-partners Website: www.bluezonecapitalpartners.com

51.  From Supply Chain to Shop Owner with Mark Heston from Colinear MachineMark Heston is the President of Colinear Machine in northern New Jersey. Colienear specializes in precision machined components and assemblies for the helicopter and aircraft landing gear industries. Mark and his partners bought the business in 2022 and have engineered huge changes and growth in the business in the past 2 years. The turnaround story is one you won’t want to miss, and includes some difficult conversations with clients on some necessary price increases, some massive changes to how they plan and engineer their jobs, and a lot of intentional work on their culture and managing change with their team.  Combine that with the insights that he shares having spent years on the supply chain side of the aerospace industry, with advice for shops serving the industry, and this is an episode you don’t want to miss.About Colinear Machine:Colinear Machine & Design's mission is to utilize innovation-driven engineering and manufacturing techniques to produce high-quality products for the aerospace industry. Our team of engineers designs and programs complex, high-precision parts utilizing top-of-the-line manufacturing equipment. AS9100 and ISO9001 certified, they are committed to maintaining the highest quality standards in the aerospace industry. Follow Mark and Colinear Machine on social media:Mark's LI: /mark-hestonCompany LI: /colinear

50. From Tragedy to Rebirth with Ashley Parent of Mills Machine WorksWhen Greg Mills was diagnosed with cancer, he had only a few months to live. His children, Ashley, John and Megan decided they wanted to carry on the family legacy that their dad and mom had started. So they jumped into learning as much about the business as they could, with the precious few weeks that their father had left. From that challenging transition comes a story of rebirth of what Mills Machine Works would look like in the future. Ashley shares the inspring and personal family story and her journey to become the president of their family machine shop.About Mills Machine Works:Mills Machine Works, inc. is a second generation family owned Machine Shop based in Lawrence, MA specializing and prototype and short run production CNC milled and lathe parts for the Defense, Space, Aerospace, Medical Device and Semiconductor industries.Follow Ashley and Mills Machine works on social media:LI: /millsmachineworksIG: @millsmachineworks Website: www.MillsMachineWorks.com

49. Origins, Growth, and Lessons from a $60M Machining Company Matt Wardle is the president and owner of JD Machine, a three generation family-run precision machining business in Ogden Utah with over 200 employees and doing $60M in revenue. Originally founded by his father, and now with Matt’s kids coming up in the business, JD Machine has realized huge success by focusing on their 4 key systems, core values and culture, and a continuous improvement mindset, among others. They’ve also endured some very challenging times - such as after 9/11. But with hard work and belief in the future, Matt and his team are now leading a very aspirational business that you’ll want to learn more about. Enjoy the episode!!About JD Machine:Founded in 1979, JD Machine Corp. is a world-class precision machining & fabrication shop that manufactures high value machined parts, sheet metal components and complex assemblies. JD Machine’s core services include: CNC Machining, CNC Turning, CNC Milling, Sheet Metal Fabrication and Assembly and Testing. JD Machine’s expertise spans a wide range of applications and industries with the ultimate focus on providing world-class precision machining services that meet and often exceed customer expectations.Follow Matt and JD Machine on social media:Personal LI: matt-wardle-a7a73014/Company LI: /j-d-machine-corp.Website: www.jdmachine.comFB: /JDMachineX: @JD_Machine

48. From Office Admin to Shop Owner with Allison Giddens of Win-TechAllison is the co-owner of Win-Tech in Kennesaw, Georgia. As an early 20-something, Allison took a leap of faith, and a 30% pay cut to work at her neighbor's machine shop, with the hope that someday it would lead to something great.  Fast forward 17 years later, and she owns and runs the shop with her co-owner! It’s an inspiring and fantastic story.  With nearly 2 decades of experience under her belt, Allison has a lot of wisdom to share about running a thriving machine shop, and also extra insight into what any shop in the defense sector needs to be paying attention to in 2024.About Win-Tech:Win-Tech is an AS9100-certified aerospace machine shop, making custom parts per customer specification. They provide in-house manufacturing services and many processes to suite customer needs. Win-Tech has been a member of the community for over 25 years, and is proud to be a part of the small business community.Follow Allison and Win-Tech on social media:Personal LI: /allisongiddensCompany LI: /win-tech-inc.Website: win-tech.net

47. Big Vision = Big Success in the Space Industry with Nathan Bourgeois from Oroborous Space & DefenseNathan Bourgeois is the founder and owner of Oroborous Space & Defense. Nate has an incredible story of success, founded from an audacious goal of building the best hardware that goes into space. That goal has driven him and propelled his company into a high-growth and profitable position, serving the who’s-who of the commercial space industry. You can’t miss this very inspiring and compelling story about why vision and mission is so critical to the success of a company.About Oroborous Space & Defense:Ouroboros Space and Defense specializes in multi-axis and mill-turn manufacturing solutions for complex, tight tolerance, and flight critical hardware.Follow Nathan and Ouroboros on social media:Company LI: /ouroboros-space-and-defensePersonal LI: /nathan-bourgeois-058219133

46. Defense Industry Success with Derek Kowalski from LOC IndustriesDerek Kowalski was the second employee of LOC Industries when he was hired at the age of 19. He’s now the VP and co-owner of the shop that specializes in complex manufactured assemblies for the defense industry. Derek shares his story, which parallels the growth of LOC which focused on doing work directly for the DLA and the government as their main strategy when they started.  They now serve the who’s-who of defense prime contractors with a wide variety of manufacturing processes from machining, sheet metal, composites, plastics forming, injection molding, and more. It’s a great and inspiring story of success, so enjoy the conversation with Derek!About LOC Industries:LOC Industries was founded in 2009 to become a top provider of aerospace structures to various OEM's and the US Military.  They are a small business that focuses on providing our customers with the highest quality parts as quickly as possible.  These products can be seen on various aircraft, from the C-5 Galaxy and the B-52 Bomber; to the UH-60 Blackhawk and the AH-64 Apache.Follow Derek and LOC Industries on social media:Personal LI: /derek-kowalski-3b384b13bCompany LI: /loc-industries-incWebsite: www.locindustries.com

45. Process & Team for the Win with Mike Brown from Computer Integrated MachiningMike Brown is the CEO of Computer Integrated Machining in San Diego and Tempe. They specialize in complex, multi-axis part and assemblies for the aerospace and defense industry - especially from hard metals. Mike shares his journey, lessons learned, and his approach to growing a thriving, profitable business that supports his Porsche racecar habits.  From the importance of building written processes, and empowering your team, to building relationships with key vendors and customers, Mike candidly shares the recipe for his success at CIM.About Computer Integrated Machining:CIM encompasses the expertise to facilitate and deliver to our customers some of the most difficult and technical challenges in CNC Milling, CNC Turning, Additive Manufacturing, EDM Processing, Welding, Water Cutting and Component Sub-Assembly, while also providing experienced Engineering & Design support on your Products.  Follow Michael and Computer Integrated Machining on social media:Personal LI: /michaelbrowncimsdCompany LI: /computer-integrated-machiningWebsite: www.cimsd.com

44. Standardizing a Shop to Huge Success with Robert Smith from Smith & CompanyRobert Smith is the Founder and CEO of Smith and Company,  a new machine shop founded out of the principles and best practices that Robert learned over 30+ years growing the family-run machine shop, Smith's Machine, his father started in the 70s. They found huge success by building robust standardization and processes for consistently reliable performance as they grew the company from doing repair work to being a world-class supplier to the Defense and Space industry. Those principles led to great success at Smith's Machine and are now serving him very well at Smith and Company.  Robert's talent as a storyteller and company operator comes through loud and clear in this very engaging conversation about building world-class precision machining companies.About Smith & Company:Smith and Company, LLC is a precision machining and manufacturing company in Birmingham, Alabama. Our goal is to provide our customers with deliverables that exceed their typical quality, delivery, and cost expectations. Innovative thinking, a can-do attitude, and eighty-plus years of experience enable us to create a partnership that customers appreciate. Their team is equipped with the latest precision 5-axis milling centers from Hermle. Additive manufacturing platforms from Markforged enable 3D printing with metal and composite materials. They produce precision components, assemblies, and value-added services that are used in a variety of industries. Follow Robert and Smith & Company on social media:Personal LI: /robert-smithandcompanybhmalCompany LI: /company/smith-and-company-llcWebsite: www.smith-al.comIG: @smithandco.bham