Making Chips – MakingChips Podcast

The podcast that navigates the ups and downs of all things manufacturing.

Meet the Hosts

Nick Goellner

Jason Zenger

BOTCHED! How Manufacturing Leaders can Avoid the Horror Story of a Failed ERP Implementation, 384

How do you select the right ERP for your business? What should the implementation process look like? What are some mistakes you must absolutely avoid making? In this episode of MakingChips, Paul Van Metre shares some of the lessons he’s learned from failed ERP implementations.

Why Manufacturing Leaders Should Invest in Video to Tell their Story and Build Their Brand, 383

Why do you need to create video content, both for recruiting team members and bringing in new business? How do you get started when you don’t have the budget to hire a production company? Casey Voelker and Matthew Nix share what you can do to kickstart video marketing for your shop—and why it’s incredibly important—in this episode of MakingChips!

Why MakingChips is Sparking a New Show for Fabrication Leaders, 378

Are you in welding or fabrication? Are you a long-time listener of MakingChips who’s just been waiting for content that speaks directly to you? The wait is over. In this episode of MakingChips, Casey Voelker and Matthew Nix join us to introduce a brand new addition to the MakingChips lineup: MakingSparks.

SZN1: Diligently Doing “Due Diligence” in Your Next Manufacturing Acquisition, 377

You’ve found your acquisition target. They’ve committed to selling you the business. Now the real work begins. It’s time for due diligence. Where does due diligence start? What factors should you consider? How do you build a checklist?

SZN1: The Starting Point in Acquisitions with Matthew Nix, 376

How do you increase your capacity, make more chips, and bring on new clients without buying a new machine or pitching yourself to a single end user? Buying a company. Acquisitions are a large part of how we’ve all built our companies.

Building a Lean Culture Through Strategic Leadership Part 2, 375

Once you’ve implemented lean manufacturing, how do you sustain a lean culture? How do you motivate your team to focus on continuous improvement? How do you inspire them to keep reaching and passing their goals?

Building a Lean Culture Through Strategic Leadership Part 1, 374

What is your definition of lean manufacturing? One definition of lean is “Maximizing the flow of value through your business to your customer.” We all want our business to be customer-centric, right? It’s a given that we all want to reduce waste and improve efficiency.

SZN1: What’s Going on With the Manufacturing Economy? 373

What is going on with the economy? We’re all feeling a slowdown in the manufacturing industry. So what gives? What happens in the economy can be directly impacted by politics. It can be impacted by war. It can be impacted by interest rates and the rising costs of consumer goods.

SZN1: What is a Woman Manufacturing Leader? with Nicole Wolter, 372

Today’s controversial topic: What is a woman…in manufacturing? We need to inspire the next generation of women to pursue a career path in manufacturing. But is the “sex sells” movement killing any chance of that? I’m Nicole Wolter—the President and CEO of HM Manufacturing.

SZN1: Taking a Lean Leap of Faith Toward Digital Transformation, 371

Many companies strive to move toward digital transformation. Some struggle with the process. Others—like JJR Fabrication—see remarkable results. They’ve seen enormous efficiency and throughput improvements by embracing digital workflows while ensuring the physical side of their shop is in full alignment.