Episode #12: How Do You Know When to Hire Someone?

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In this episode of the Machine Shop Growth Podcast, hosts Mike Fritz and Kirk Phelps tackle one of the most difficult questions every shop owner faces: When is it the right time to hire someone?

Too often, hiring decisions are made under fire—when parts are late, customers are frustrated, and employees are burnt out. Mike and Kirk break down a smarter, more strategic approach, from evaluating throughput and overtime trends, to considering automation, to assessing whether your current people can step up before posting a job ad.

They also share practical metrics (like revenue per employee), real-world stories from their own shops, and a framework for thinking beyond “filling a seat” and instead building a team with purpose. If you’ve ever wondered whether to hire another operator, programmer, or even office staff—or whether you should wait—this episode is packed with insights that can help you make that decision with confidence.