Machine Shop Mastery

52. From Founding to Exit with Keith Bernardo from M&K Engineering The 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-bernardo Company LI: /blue-zone-capital-partners Website: www.bluezonecapitalpartners.com

51. From Supply Chain to Shop Owner with Mark Heston from Colinear Machine Mark 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-heston Company LI: /colinear

50. From Tragedy to Rebirth with Ashley Parent of Mills Machine Works When 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: /millsmachineworks IG: @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.com FB: /JDMachine X: @JD_Machine

48. From Office Admin to Shop Owner with Allison Giddens of Win-Tech Allison 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: /allisongiddens Company LI: /win-tech-inc. Website: win-tech.net

47. Big Vision = Big Success in the Space Industry with Nathan Bourgeois from Oroborous Space & Defense Nathan 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-defense Personal LI: /nathan-bourgeois-058219133

46. Defense Industry Success with Derek Kowalski from LOC Industries Derek 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-3b384b13b Company LI: /loc-industries-inc Website: www.locindustries.com

45. Process & Team for the Win with Mike Brown from Computer Integrated Machining Mike 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: /michaelbrowncimsd Company LI: /computer-integrated-machining Website: www.cimsd.com

44. Standardizing a Shop to Huge Success with Robert Smith from Smith & Company Robert 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-smithandcompanybhmal Company LI: /company/smith-and-company-llc Website: www.smith-al.com IG: @smithandco.bham

43. Growing and Improving a CNC Shop with Humility with Nate Ankrom from Genuine Machine Products Nate has been the President of Genuine Machine Products for the past 4 years. Genuine is a defense and aerospace shop working for high-end discerning primes. Nate shares his story of rolling up his sleeves and working alongside the team to improve processes, culture, continuous improvement, CMMC readiness, and much more. Nate’s passion for machining and the industry comes through so genuinely (pun intended)! About Genuine Machine Products: Genuine Machine Products, Inc. is a leading provider of high-complexity machined components and sub-assemblies for the Commercial Aerospace and Defense industries. They are proud to be recognized as being in the top 20 percent of ultra-precision machining facilities in the United States. As an ultra-precision facility, they have the ability to push beyond typical expectations to maximize product outcome with extreme quality and precision. Follow Nate and Genuine Machine Products on social media: Personal LI: /nate-ankrom-8161b068 Company LI: /genuine-machine-products Website: www.genuinemachine.com/

42. Making Precision Moves in Building a Highly Successful Machine Shop with Michael Tamasi from AccuRounds Michael Tamasi is the President and CEO of AccuRounds, a thriving 2nd generation machine shop in Avon MA. Michael is a trained engineer and MBA and is a passionate advocate for the machining industry, the power of continuous improvement, industry associations (his first NTMA meeting was at the age of 12), corporate social responsibility, and the importance of company culture and growing and supporting their team. Michael exemplifies all the qualities that I’ve seen in successful shop leaders. And make sure you listen long enough to hear about the AccuFarm!! This was an inspiring interview for me and I know you’ll learn a huge amount from Michael on how to build a successful, enduring manufacturing business. About AccuRounds: AccuRounds is a contract manufacturer that machines and assembles precision turned components with critical tolerances and finishes for applications that demand accuracy. By focusing on operational excellence, we help get your product to market faster. Follow Michael and AccuRounds on social media: Personal LI: /michaeltamasi Company LI: /company/accurounds Website: www.accurounds.com IG: @accurounds X: @accurounds

41. Inspiring Business Growth and Building Success: A Conversation with Eric Hagopian from Pilot Precision Products Paul sits down with Eric Hagopian. His fascinating story starts with his grandfather's company Hoppe Technologies, which Eric eventually took over. Overtime, he sold that business and is now the CEO of Pilot Precision Products - the world's largest supplier of industrial cutting tools. He shares his business experiences, particularly in transitioning from being a parts supplier to becoming an assembly company. Eric also highlights the significance of investing in the company's facility to make it as well-equipped as possible to impress customers and create a positive impact. It's evident that his enthusiasm for ongoing learning and adaptability in meeting customer demands is a prominent theme in the episode, and we look forward to you gaining insights from the inspirational advice he shares. Thank you for being on the show, Eric! About Pilot Precision Products: Pilot Precision Products is the world’s largest supplier of industrial broaches and small, round cutting tools from duMONT Minute Man® Industrial Broaches and Hassay Savage broaching tools, and is the exclusive American distributor of Magafor® and GMauvaisUSATM products. Follow Eric and Pilot Precision Products on social media: Personal LI: /americamanufactures Company LI: /pilot-precision-products Website: www.pilotprecision.com FB: /pilotprecisionproducts X: @Pilot_Precision

40. A Scientific Study of How to Run a Precision Machine Shop with Tom Nathan from Total Precision My guest today is Tom Nathan, a former science teacher who ended up getting involved in the precision machining industry, and becoming the Managing Director of Total Precision. As my first international guest, Tom shares some great wisdom about his approach to learning the industry and being scientific in his thinking about how to grow and get the most out of the team and processes at Total Precision. Tom shares many noteworthy ideas and pearls of wisdom for the audience and I know you’ll look at your shop a bit differently after listening to this episode. About Total Precision: Total Precision was established in 1997 and has since grown into a well equipped Machine Shop with grinding, milling, turning and fabrication capabilities. Total Precision is committed to delivering precision manufactured products and services that consistently meet or exceed customer expectations while complying with the highest industry standards. Follow Tom and Total Precision on social media: Personal LI: /tom-nathan Company LI: /total-precision Website: www.total-precision.com.au IG: @totalprecisionau

39. Caring Your Way to Success with Kody Guidry from Coastal Machine & Supply Kody Guidry is one of the driving forces behind the success of Coastal Machine & Supply in Carencro Louisiana. Their remarkable success comes down first and foremost to a deep and authentic caring of the employees that has been instilled in their culture from the earliest days by Keith, and Kevin, two of the original founders. Kody shares their secrets of success for how they’ve catapulted to success by creating robust business processes, executed by well cared for employees. As this interview will clearly show, it’s a formula that works! About Coastal Machine & Supply: Coastal Machine is an API Q1, AS9100D, ISO 9001 licensed and ITAR Registered CNC Manufacturing facility located in Carencro, LA. Coastal has been in business since 2004. They are a 100% paperless facility, and everything is ran through our digital manufacturing ERP system. This ensures efficient and effective throughput and allowing us to get updated information to and from the manufacturing floor immediately. Their processes and integrated Quality Management System, along with AS9100 and ITAR integration, with this system separate us from our competitors. It allows them to provide top notch quality and customer service. Follow Kody and Coastal Machine on social media: Personal LI: /kodyguidry Company LI: /coastal-machine-&-supply-inc- Website: www.coastalmachinesupply.com FB: /coastalmachine

38. Sharing My Own Thoughts on Shop Growth with Paul Van Metre from Pro CNC In this episode I interview myself, and share thoughts about the growth and story of Pro CNC - the machine shop I co-founded and owned for 17 years, as well as some of the themes and answers from my past guests. I hope you find value in this episode and let me know if you’d like me to share more of my journey. Comment or share on LinkedIn. Thank you! Follow Paul on social media: Personal LI: /paulvanmetre

37. A Formula for Nearly Guaranteed Success in a Machine Shop with Matt Boucher from Machineosaurus Manufacturing Company Matt Boucher is the CEO of Machineosaurus Manufacturing Company - “Creating Precision with a Playful Roar”. He gave up a very successful career as the CEO of large manufacturing companies and decided to move his family across the country and buy a small machine shop. Matt brings his vast experience to that challenge with clarity and in a way that I’ve not heard described before. It’s a very thought-provoking conversation on how to build a manufacturing company with nearly certain success and financial return for all its stakeholders. About Machineosaurus Manufacturing: Machineosaurus is committed to quality. We are working to achieve ASI9100 and ISO 9001-2015 certification, and we have a robust quality control system in place to ensure that every project meets our high standards. Their team of skilled professionals is dedicated to rapidly delivering high-quality, cost-effective solutions to our clients. We have a fully-equipped machine shop with state-of-the-art equipment, including CNC mills and lathes. Follow Matt and Machineosaurus Manufacturing on social media: Personal LI: /matthewboucher Company LI: /the-machineosaurus-manufacturing-company Website: www.machineosaurus.com IG: @machineosaurus

36. Achieving Excellence in a Precision Machining Business with Hernan Ricaurte from Ricaurte Precision Ricaurte Precision is a technology-driven, 2nd generation precision machining business that serves many high-tech industries with high-complexity machined parts with highly automated machines, including multi-pallet 5-axis machining centers. Hernan didn’t originally have an interest in taking over his father’s business but has been deeply invested in learning the business and the industry for the last many years and is one of the most collaborative shop owners I’ve ever met. In this episode, we talk about striving for excellence in a business, technology adoption, culture (of course!) industry collaboration, and trade organizations. We also talk seriously about how difficult the precision machining business is with a healthy dose of realism. Enjoy this great episode. About Ricaurte Precision: Ricaurte Precision Inc. has been providing a wide range of turnkey precision machining (CNC) services to FDA and Aerospace regulated clients for over 30 years (ISO 9001:2015). With a capacity of over 10,000 machining hours per month, Ricaurte Precision specializes in medium to high quantity, tight tolerance machining of metal and plastic parts. Follow Hernan and Ricaurte Precision on social media: Personal LI: /hernan-ricaurte-rpi Company LI: /ricaurte-precision-inc. Website: www.ricaurteprecision.com FB: @ricaurteprecision IG: @ricaurteprecision YT: @RicaurtePrecisionInc.-RPI

35. Steep Learning Curve of a Successful Machine Shop with Dave Capkovitz from C&K Tool Dave Capkovitz is a serial entrepreneur who at a very young age owned several businesses. When he had a life-changing event and sold all but C&K Tool, he began a journey of learning to be a great leader and business owner, while balancing his life and family priorities. Dave tells the fascinating story of the growth of that shop, and his eventual exit and how he’s taking that knowledge, and what he wishes he had known at the time, to help shops today. Follow Dave on social media: LI: /david-capkovitz-99020a13

34. Methodically Building an Enduring Machine Shop with Dwain Dyer from Concise Manufacturing Dwain Dyer is the Owner of Concise Manufacturing Inc. which specializes in unattended 5-axis machining of high-complexity, feature-rich parts. Dwain blew me away with his thoughtful and intentional approach to how he’s building an “enduring organization”, which has many facets to it, from the technology they employ to their holistic approach to culture and employee success. Anyone wanting to build a successful company will find a ton of wisdom from Dwain! Enjoy the episode. About Concise Manufacturing: Concise Manufacturing's promise is to Double the Value of your Company in 3 years or give your money back. Your profitability and success is their number one goal. With an extensive background in culture growth, manufacturing, operations, customer development, management, business evaluation, problem solving, top siding, continuous improvement, and employee development, they have the tools to provide a high quality partnership that will result in your success. Follow Dwain and Concise Manufacturing Inc. on social media: Personal LI: /dwain-dyer-1068355b Company LI: /concise-manufacturing-inc Website: www.concisecnc.com

33. Betting on Yourself and Starting a Bootstrapped Machine Shop with Lori Robertson from Cutting Edge Metals Lori Robertson is the Co-Founder and President of Cutting Edge Metals. With 30+ years in the manufacturing industry as an employee, Lori finally decided to bet on herself and start a machine shop almost exactly a year ago. She goes into quite a bit of detail about what she did to launch her shop, how she’s growing it, and the strong foundation she’s building for the future. From my years of experience, I can see that she’s making all the right moves and is poised for years of success. Everyone, but especially owners of younger shops, or soon-to-be shops will find tremendous value in this episode. Enjoy! Follow Lori and Cutting Edge Metals on social media: Personal LI: /lori-robertson-mba-37915965