Passing the Torch: The Next Chapter of MakingSparks, Ep #60

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Change in manufacturing rarely comes quietly—and neither does progress. In this special episode of MakingSparks, longtime hosts Matthew Nix and Casey Velker take a moment to reflect, rewind, and ultimately pass the mic to the next voice of the show: Brendon DiVicenzo. It’s not an ending—it’s a handoff mid-stride.

Matthew and Casey revisit the origin story of MakingSparks, from a short-run idea built around 100x growth to a full-fledged podcast embedded in the MakingChips ecosystem. Along the way, they’ve built something bigger than episodes—a platform for honest conversations, shared lessons, and a growing community of fabricators willing to pull back the curtain on how they really run their businesses.

But like any good shop floor evolution, this transition is rooted in focus. Casey leans deeper into storytelling, culture, and video. Matthew explores new opportunities around family business and leadership. And stepping into the spotlight is Brendon—a manufacturing lifer with deep technical expertise, a front-row seat to shop transformation, and a passion for telling the stories that don’t always get told.

As the conversation unfolds, the trio digs into what makes this industry so resilient right now—from the rise of automation and AI to the growing investment thesis around “HALO” (Heavy Asset, Low Obsolescence). Through it all, one thing stays constant: manufacturing is still, and always will be, a people-first business.

This episode isn’t a goodbye. It’s a recalibration—and a launch point for what’s next.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

• (0:00) The rise of “HALO” investing and why manufacturing is gaining attention
• (1:42) Matthew and Casey reveal a major announcement
• (4:38) The “why” behind MakingSparks’ creation (and it’s growth)
• (7:15) The impact of storytelling and listener feedback
• (8:11) Casey shares what’s next: culture, marketing, and video
• (11:00) The value of an outsider perspective on the show
• (13:32) Brendon’s background in manufacturing and engineering
• (18:43) Why people are the most rewarding part of manufacturing
• (23:19) How automation and technology is leveling the playing field
• (25:29) How manufacturing skillsets are evolving (continuous learning)
• (28:44) Brendon’s vision for the future: highlighting people
• (32:57) Technology enhancing—not replacing—the workforce
• (35:09) Final reflections and gratitude from Matthew, Casey, and Brendon

Resources mentioned on this episode

• MakingSparks: How Technology Drives Innovation on the Other Side of Metalworking Nation, 395

Connect with Brendon DiVincenzo

• Connect on LinkedIn
• EAGLE Lasers

Connect with MakingSparks

• Follow on LinkedIn
• Follow on Instagram
• MakingSparks website