We’ve moved on to medium sauce and we are on FIRE. We’re in manufacturing, so the MakingChips podcast covers all things manufacturing. But we’re also human, and we value the importance of being transparent and talking about things like mental health.

We’re tasting our way through 12 different types of hot sauce chosen by none other than me, Tony Gunn, the Global GM at MTDCNC.com. Meaghan Ziemba of Mavens of Manufacturing also joins us as we work our way through some chicken wings.

Does Titan still run a shop? Does he believe in digital transformation on the shop floor? Why did Titan seek out jobs no one else wanted? In this special edition of MakingChips, Titan Gilroy answers burning listener questions while simultaneously sharing some spectacular advice for manufacturing leaders everywhere.

Titan Gilroy wanted to create a platform where aspiring machinists could hone their skills, share their work, and connect with leaders in the industry to get hired. So he launched CNC Expert. You can share projects, get hired (or hire someone), receive free training to get certifications, and much more.

Steve Burkett has been in global aerospace manufacturing for 30 years. One year ago, he bought a well-established local shop and is now the President and CEO of Auto-Turn Manufacturing. Steve transitioned from being a big MFG leader to a small MFG owner.

Ken Parent keeps it real. Ken launched Parent Manufacturing in 2020 in the midst of the Covid pandemic. Navigating running a small shop and providing for his family hasn’t been an easy road. Instead of shying away from the reality of entrepreneurism, Ken shares the good, the bad, and the ugly on LinkedIn. The response has been overwhelming.

Did you know that we all operate from one of three root motivations? The majority of the decisions we make are because we’re striving for respect, value, or approval. When you know your root motivations as a leader—and in turn learn your team’s—it can help you become a better leader.

What is the greatest show on manufacturing Earth? IMTS. Every two years, the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) draws manufacturers from around the world to Chicago for six days. IMTS not only makes a huge impact on the economy in Chicago but also on the manufacturing industry.