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Recent episodes
54: Breaking the $3M Ceiling: How Pivot Manufacturing Unlocked Its Next Phase
Apr 28, 2026
Unknown duration
53. He Bet his Life Savings on Buying an Aerospace Job Shop: Andrew Crook with Dynamic Fabrication
Apr 14, 2026
Unknown duration
52: From Guesswork to Scaling: The Systems Shift Powering Mahler Machining's Next Chapter
Mar 31, 2026
Unknown duration
51: Turning Legacy Processes into Lean Systems: The Lafarge & Egge Transformation Story
Mar 17, 2026
Unknown duration
50. Cultivating a Continuous Improvement Culture
Mar 3, 2026
Unknown duration
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| Date | Episode | Description | Length | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/28/26 | 54: Breaking the $3M Ceiling: How Pivot Manufacturing Unlocked Its Next Phase | What does it actually take to break through the $3M ceiling in a machine shop? For many manufacturers, that plateau isn't about lack of opportunity. It's about systems, structure, and the ability to scale without everything breaking. In this episode, Steve Macias of Pivot Manufacturing shares the real story behind that transition, from surviving early volatility to building a business capable of sustained growth in the defense sector. After decades of steady but capped performance, Pivot made a series of intentional moves: investing in higher-end equipment, remodeling their facility, and most importantly, replacing outdated, paper-heavy processes with a fully integrated system using ProShop ERP. What followed wasn't just incremental improvement. It was a shift in how the entire company operates. Quotes became orders in seconds instead of days, audits became seamless, and the team gained visibility into every part moving through the shop. But the transformation goes beyond software and machines. Steve shares how empowering a younger, more tech-forward workforce, letting go of control as an owner, and building a culture of accountability all played a critical role in unlocking the next phase of growth. The result is a shop that not only looks modern on the surface, but runs with the structure, clarity, and confidence needed to scale toward $8M to $10M and beyond. Resources & Links Pivot Manufacturing: https://pivotmfg.com/ Steve Macias on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-macias-1876303/ SMacias@PivotMFG.com | — | ||||||
| 4/14/26 | 53. He Bet his Life Savings on Buying an Aerospace Job Shop: Andrew Crook with Dynamic Fabrication | What happens when you bet everything on a struggling job shop… and then decide to completely rebuild how it operates from the inside out? That's exactly what Andrew Crook did when he purchased Dynamic Fabrication in 2017. Instead of continuing business as usual, he made a bold decision to narrow the customer base, shift toward aerospace and defense, and invest heavily in systems that could support scalable, high-quality growth. It wasn't just a strategic pivot. It was a full operational transformation. In this episode, Andrew shares how adopting ProShop as the company's digital backbone helped turn complexity into clarity. From tool management and contract review to audits and new product introduction, every process became more structured, traceable, and repeatable. The result was faster setups, smoother audits, and a stronger foundation for high-margin production work. But the transition wasn't easy. The team had to digitize everything from fasteners to fixtures, rethink workflows, and build discipline around data accuracy. Over time, that effort paid off. Today, Dynamic Fabrication runs with a culture of accountability, clear documentation, and operational "hygiene" that supports consistent growth in the demanding aerospace and defense market. Andrew walks through the real-world impact of these changes, what worked, what didn't, and how betting on systems helped transform the business into a scalable, audit-ready operation. 👉 Dynamic Fabrication: https://dynamicfab.com/ 👉 Andrew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-crook/ | — | ||||||
| 3/31/26 | 52: From Guesswork to Scaling: The Systems Shift Powering Mahler Machining's Next Chapter | In this episode of Manufacturing Transformed, we head to British Columbia to explore how Mahler Machining is replacing spreadsheets, paper travelers, and tribal knowledge with a scalable digital backbone. Aaron Kennedy shares how the team transitioned a 30+ person shop with roughly 700 active jobs into ProShop in just a few months, dramatically tightening feedback loops, improving visibility, and creating a foundation for repeatable growth. What started as a need to eliminate guesswork quickly evolved into a systems-driven approach to quoting, scheduling, quality, and continuous improvement. You'll hear how Mahler Machining moved from manual processes and conservative planning to confident scaling, with faster quoting, real-time job visibility, and structured quality data that drives smarter decisions. Aaron also breaks down how empowering machinists with better information, digitizing setup knowledge, and building a performance-based culture is helping the company grow sustainably while maintaining customer trust. This conversation is a practical look at what happens when the right system becomes the backbone of a shop's next chapter. 👉 Mahler Machining: https://mahler-machining.com 👉 Aaron on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com 👉 Machine Shop Mastery Episode #107: https://machineshopmastery.com/episode/107-how-to-buy-a-machine-shop-well-nik-and-aaron-with-mahler-machining/ | — | ||||||
| 3/17/26 | 51: Turning Legacy Processes into Lean Systems: The Lafarge & Egge Transformation Story | In this episode of Manufacturing Transformed, I sit down with Bryan from Lafarge & Egge to talk about what real operational transformation looks like inside a highly specialized aerospace manufacturer. When Bryan joined the company, he stepped into a shop full of deep experience and craftsmanship—but also a lot of legacy processes. Critical information lived across spreadsheets, Access databases, and paper-based work instructions. Drawings, inspection records, and job tracking were spread across multiple systems, making it difficult to see what was really happening across the business. Instead of jumping straight into new machines or automation, Bryan and his team made a strategic decision: fix the systems first. We talk through how Lafarge & Egge digitized their workflows, consolidated multiple tools into a single platform, and built a stronger operational foundation across two facilities. The impact has been significant—from faster quoting and contract review to better visibility on the shop floor and a much smoother audit process in a highly regulated aerospace environment. Bryan also shares lessons learned along the way, including how they capture tribal knowledge, manage complex quality requirements, and think about lean systems in a high-mix manufacturing environment. If you're interested in how manufacturers can modernize legacy processes while preserving the expertise that built the business, this conversation offers a practical and honest look at what that transformation actually takes. Topics Discussed Bryan's path from aerospace supply chain into manufacturing leadership What Lafarge & Egge manufactures and their specialization in high-pressure tube assemblies The operational challenges Bryan saw when he first joined the company The limitations of paper-based workflows and disconnected systems Why the team prioritized digitizing processes before investing in new equipment Replacing spreadsheets, databases, and manual workflows with a unified system Cutting contract review timelines from weeks to days Improving traceability, inspections, and audit readiness in aerospace manufacturing Coordinating operations across two facilities on a shared system How better visibility into data helps support growth and smarter decision-making Bryan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bryanluttrell Lafarge & Egge: https://lafargeandegge.com/ Email: Info@lafargeandegge.com | — | ||||||
| 3/3/26 | 50. Cultivating a Continuous Improvement Culture | For most manufacturing founders, the early years mean fighting fires, working late nights, and inheriting old ways of working. But what if you could skip the legacy headaches and design your shop for the future—right from day one? That's exactly what David Bamforth did at Renscott Manufacturing. David didn't inherit a tired, paper-heavy organization—he started Renscott as a college student, purchasing his first CNC mill at 21 and building workflows around digital tools, not file cabinets. With a relentless focus on innovation, he and his team rolled out everything from paperless work orders and custom job management APIs to a powerhouse co-op program that develops talent in-house. Renscott has grown from a bootstrapped startup to a cutting-edge manufacturer with 40,000 square feet, 32 full-time employees, ISO/AS/ITAR certifications, and a customer roster spanning spaceflight and defense. Their digital-first mindset allowed them to break into metal 3D printing, implement traceability systems for complex powder inventories, and even inspire legacy shops to update their own game. In this episode, David shares his blueprint for shop design, workforce development, custom automation, and how a new generation is redefining what a job shop can be—with ProShop ERP as the operational foundation. David Bamforth on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-bamforth/ Renscott Manufacturing: https://www.renscottmfg.com/ Audio and Video Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK | — | ||||||
| 2/17/26 | 49. Modernizing a High-Mix Machine Shop Lessons From DieCraft's Transformation | For many job shops, the "perfect storm" looks like this: Your legacy ERP software is becoming obsolete due to Windows updates, and your two most senior employees, holding 72 years of combined tribal knowledge, are retiring at the same time. That was the reality facing Justin Westerfeld at Die-Craft Engineering. Die-Craft, a high-mix, low-volume shop averaging just 2-3 parts per order, was at a crossroads. They could continue operating as a traditional repair shop with heavy administrative overhead, or they could modernize. Justin chose the latter. By implementing ProShop ERP, Die-Craft didn't just replace software; they fundamentally changed their business economics. The results of this digital transformation are staggering. Die-Craft reduced their front-office staff from 11 people down to 6, saving nearly four full-time salaries strictly through efficiency gains, while simultaneously increasing milling capacity by 20%. In this episode, Justin reveals how accurate job costing allowed them to win back lost contracts, how they slashed office processing time from 10 days to 1, and why even their most "crotchety" manual machinists now panic if their computers go down. Justin Westerfeld on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-westerfeld/ Die-Craft Engineering: https://www.diecraftmachine.com/ Audio and Video Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK | — | ||||||
| 2/3/26 | 48. Huge Parts, Huge Success: Craig Lange of Lange Machine & Tool | Some shops measure parts in millimeters. Lange Machine and Tool measures them in tons, up to 80,000 pounds, to be exact. But running a shop that handles massive mining and foundry components with a small batch, high-mix workflow presents a unique data challenge. For decades, Craig Lange's family business relied on paper cost cards and a custom-built Access database to keep track of it all. It worked, but at a cost. It required nearly a full-time employee just to handle data entry, and tribal knowledge was constantly slipping through the cracks. When a job came back three years later, the team often had to "relearn" the setup from scratch. In this episode, Craig shares how moving to ProShop ERP was the administrative equivalent of upgrading from a manual lathe to a CNC machine. By digitizing their entire workflow, Lange Machine cut office processing time from days to just five minutes. They captured critical setup data, reducing setup times by 10%. Most impressively, when a key administrative employee retired, the new efficiencies allowed them to handle a 15% increase in growth without backfilling the position. This is a story about how a 52-year-old family business modernized their operations to handle monster parts with precision and profitability. Craig Lange on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-lange-83974b1a/ Lange Machine and Tool: https://www.langemachine.com/ Audio and Video Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK | — | ||||||
| 1/20/26 | 47. Small Headcount - High Discipline: Building Success with Garrett from Elemental Design + Machinery | Most machine shop startups are defined by hustle, long hours, and organized chaos. But when Garrett Wolfford founded Elemental Design + Machinery in January 2024, he had a different blueprint: "Small headcount, high discipline". While many owners wait years to professionalize their operations, Garrett built the foundation of a major aerospace facility for a team of just three people. He didn't wait to "grow into" systems; he implemented AS9100 certification, ITAR registration, and ProShop ERP almost immediately. The goal was audacious: to transition from general manufacturing to critical "hard parts" for the aerospace and defense sectors. After a site visit to a major rocket manufacturing facility ignited a fire in the team, they worked backward from the customer's vendor checklist, acquiring the necessary CMM technology, Model-Based Definition (MBD) capabilities, and digital infrastructure to qualify. The strategy paid off. In less than two years, Elemental went from an empty floor to an approved supplier for a major rocket company, securing their first six-figure purchase order shortly after certification. This episode is a case study on why "too small" is a myth. It explores how digital manufacturing systems, rigid quality planning, and a refusal to compromise on discipline allow a small shop to compete directly with industry giants. Garrett Wolfford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrett-wolfford-567714311/ Elemental Design + Machinery: https://elementaldesignandmachinery.com/about/ Audio and Video Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK | — | ||||||
| 1/6/26 | 46: Scaling a Machine Shop Without Losing Control with Wesley of B&W Machine Works | In this episode, I chat with Wesley Traumbauer of B&W Machine works. We examine what happens when a manufacturing business grows faster than the systems supporting it. As complexity increases, reliance on memory, informal communication, and disconnected tools creates friction that compounds daily. What once felt manageable begins to erode trust in schedules, delivery dates, and capacity, making even simple decisions heavier than they need to be. When estimating, scheduling, purchasing, and quality exist in separate places, visibility disappears. Work-in-process grows, interruptions increase, and leadership is forced into reactive mode. The episode highlights how uncertainty, not workload, is often the real driver of stress inside a growing shop. A central theme is the shift toward integrated systems and what that transition actually changes. Centralization doesn't eliminate problems, but it exposes them early and forces clarity. Data replaces assumptions. Accountability becomes visible. Decisions are made with confidence instead of instinct. The discussion reinforces that this shift is less about software and more about operational discipline. Leadership and culture remain constant threads throughout. Systems only work when they are used consistently. Side spreadsheets, workarounds, and exceptions undermine trust and keep businesses stuck in chaos. Real transformation requires commitment, standardization, and a willingness to let the system surface uncomfortable truths. The result is not slower work, but calmer work. Planning extends further into the future. Communication improves. Problems live in the system instead of in people's heads. The episode illustrates how structure creates resilience and why sustainable growth depends on visibility, process, and trust in the data. Make sure you give it a listen. LinkedIn: Wesley Traumbauer - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesley-trumbauer-a30953324/ B&W Machine Works Inc. - https://bandwmachine.com/ Audio and Video Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK | — | ||||||
| 12/23/25 | 45: Eliminating Chaos: How Ferrera Tooling Streamlined Scheduling, Quality, and Traceability | When Cody Joy joined Ferrera Tooling Company in 2020, the shop was growing rapidly but struggling with chaotic systems. Scheduling relied on a single Google Sheet, paper travelers cluttered the floor, and quality records were scattered across uncontrolled spreadsheets. Twice-weekly meetings attempted to manage priorities, but inefficiencies threatened to stall the company's expansion into aerospace and space exploration. Ferrera's leadership recognized the need for a paperless ERP solution. After considering building their own system, they adopted ProShop, which consolidated scheduling, inventory, serial number tracking, and estimating into one integrated platform. The transition eliminated redundant spreadsheets, improved traceability, and gave machinists confidence in their instructions and materials. This confidence translated directly into speed and throughput, reducing delays and boosting productivity. Quality assurance, once a bottleneck, was transformed. Ferrera expanded from two to eight CMM machines, while ProShop scheduled inspections and integrated static checks to reduce cycle times. Parts no longer piled up waiting for inspection, and audits became smoother, with AS9100 reviews shortened from five days to two. Auditors praised ProShop's robustness, reinforcing customer trust in Ferrera's processes. Culturally, ProShop became the backbone of Ferrera's operations. Cody, now Director of Systems and Process Engineering, emphasized how the system fostered accountability and teamwork, replacing endless meetings and email chains with a single source of truth. Employees embraced ownership, documenting setups with photos and detailed instructions, further strengthening the company's culture of continuous improvement. On a personal level, Cody noted that while his hours remain long due to Ferrera's growth, his stress is far more manageable. ProShop allows problems to "live in the system" rather than in his head, reducing the burden he once carried home. He believes that without ProShop, Ferrera would have reverted to chaos, unable to sustain its current scale. Instead, the company now thrives with streamlined scheduling, robust quality control, and reliable traceability. LinkedIn: Cody - https://www.linkedin.com/in/codyjoy/ Ferrera Tooling - https://www.ferreratooling.com/ Audio and Video Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK | — | ||||||
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| 12/9/25 | 44: Massive Transformation with David Pannell of Faircloth Machine | Faircloth Machine Shop's journey is one of remarkable transformation. Founded in the late 1960s as a manual machining operation, it was modernized under David Pannell, who joined in 1994 and helped transition the shop into CNC machining. By 2017, Faircloth adopted ProShop ERP, moving away from paper records and embracing digital systems that enabled growth into aerospace manufacturing. ProShop proved pivotal, offering built-in AS9100 compliance and integrated tools for audits, documentation, and quality management. Though the shift was a cultural shock, it allowed Faircloth to expand from 10 employees to nearly 40, with advanced CNC, Swiss, and five-axis machines producing complex aerospace assemblies. Lessons in standardization and systematization became critical as the stakes grew higher with expensive equipment, and ProShop's tooling and inspection modules helped prevent costly mistakes while streamlining operations. The company's success has also been defined by its people. David takes pride in hiring individuals with little experience and training them into skilled machinists and leaders. Employees like Brandon grew into pivotal roles, while mentors like Brian introduced systems that improved efficiency and quality. Even during crises, such as David's near-fatal accident in 2023, the staff kept the business running seamlessly, proving the strength of both the systems and the team. Today, Faircloth Machine Shop stands as a testament to persistence and tenacity. From humble beginnings with manual equipment and paper records, it has evolved into a certified aerospace manufacturer with advanced technology and a strong workforce. David's philosophy is simple: never give up, adapt to change, and keep building systems that support growth. With ProShop as a trusted partner and a dedicated team, Faircloth has become a thriving business that sustains livelihoods and strengthens American manufacturing. Email: Brandon B. McKinney - bmckinney@fairclothmachine.com. LinkedIn: David Pannell - https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-pannell-62431a68/ Faircloth Machine Shop - https://fairclothmachine.com Audio and Video Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK | — | ||||||
| 11/26/25 | 43: From Multi-National Executive to Machine Shop Owner - Chris Basgall of Catamount | Some shop owners work their way up from the shop floor. Chris Basgall arrived from the opposite direction. Before buying Catamount Machine Works, he spent decades leading IT, operations, and large-scale transformation inside one of the world's biggest telecommunications companies, serving 350 million customers across continents. Then he walked away from corporate life, moved his family to Florida, and bought a 15-person machine shop with paper travelers, scattered data, and a tech stack that hadn't changed much in years. Chris didn't choose Catamount for what it was. He chose it for what it could be. He came in with a 3, 5, and 10-year plan built around three pillars: advanced technology, smart automation, and rigorous certification. Over the next few years, that strategy became reality. Catamount migrated from clipboards to servers, from manual workflows to digital structure, from three-axis machines to three-plus-two automation cells, and from scattered documentation to ITAR-compliant, audit-ready systems. They added robots, upgraded Mastercam, implemented High QA, achieved AS9100 and CMMC 2.0 compliance, and positioned themselves for the aerospace work they knew they could win. But the biggest shift came from adopting ProShop and building a fully interconnected architecture. Estimates flowed cleanly into parts, quotes, and work orders. Inspectors worked inside a single source of truth. FAIs became a one-click process. And the shop finally had the operational backbone it needed to support complex assemblies, dense specs, and multi-system data flow without drowning in rework or duplicate effort. Today, Catamount runs fewer people than when Chris bought it, yet they produce more, respond faster, and scale smarter. They've added multiple aerospace customers, landed significant prototype work headed for production, and have built a foundation capable of supporting explosive growth in 2026 and beyond. This episode isn't just about technology adoption. It's about what happens when a small shop embraces enterprise-level thinking, builds systems before scaling, and gets every person aligned behind a clear, communicated vision of the future. LinkedIn - Chris Basgall: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisbasgall/ Catamount Machine Works: https://catmw.com/ Audio and Video Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK | — | ||||||
| 11/19/25 | 42: Scaling Smart, Leading with Data & Building a Future-Ready Shop at Prosper-Tech Machine & Tool | Some shops grow fast. But very few grow fast and stay in control. Prosper-Tech is doing both, and doing it with intention. In just two years, Andrew and Gabby Devroy have helped transform the company Andrew's parents built in a garage into a 30-person aerospace and medical machining powerhouse, all while raising three kids and navigating the complexities of a second-generation business. Their approach isn't about chasing work, it's about choosing the right work, building systems that scale, and creating a culture where data drives decisions instead of putting out fires. When they joined Prosper-Tech, the team was running AS9100 audits and daily operations off clipboards. There was tribal knowledge everywhere, no visibility into upcoming sales, and no clear way to plan capacity. The business needed more than "working harder", it needed a backbone. Implementing ProShop became the catalyst that shifted everything: transparent workflows, cleaner scheduling, predictable margins, empowered machinists, and a level of trust with customers that translated into real growth. In this episode, Andrew and Gabby share how they balanced succession planning with rapid expansion, how they chose the markets they wanted to dominate, why they embraced batch production, and why the tooling module became one of their biggest early wins. They also reveal how real-time data has helped double margins, smooth out cash cycles, and make strategic equipment decisions, including the moment one machine type changed everything. This is a story about scaling thoughtfully, leading intentionally, and building a shop that's ready for the next decade, not just the next order. LinkedIn - Andrew Devroy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielle-devroy-3332b444/ LinkedIn - Gabby Devroy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-devroy-b7920a68/ Prosper-Tech Machine & Tool: https://www.prosper-tech.net/ Audio and Video Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK | — | ||||||
| 10/29/25 | 41: A Blank Slate Urban Machine Shop Concept - Matt Bruner of APW | Matt Bruner, co-founder of American Precision Works (APW), shares the journey of launching a modern machine shop in urban Philadelphia with his partner, John Celley. Founded in October 2024, APW was built on a "clean slate" philosophy, emphasizing automation, streamlined systems, and a people-first approach. With complementary backgrounds (John in machining and Matt in sales and operations) they aimed to create a business that could train individuals without prior machining experience, using standardized processes and advanced technology to empower their workforce. Their urban location was a strategic choice, allowing them to tap into a younger, more diverse talent pool and stand out from suburban competitors. Matt recounts hiring Tom, a retail worker with no machining background, who quickly adapted to running a five-axis machine thanks to APW's modern systems. This hiring model, focused on potential and attitude over experience, has proven successful and even attracted seasoned professionals eager to work with cutting-edge equipment. A cornerstone of APW's strategy is its early investment in ProShop ERP, which has helped them avoid the inefficiencies common in older shops. Drawing inspiration from Matt's father (who launched a machine shop with ERP in the 1990s with a design that was less about machines and more about systems) he set out to start a shop that solved common industry problems. APW uses ProShop to manage tooling, job costing, and quality control. Their team eliminated spreadsheets, built custom Chrome extensions for tool management, and integrated CAM data to streamline operations. These systems have enabled APW to operate efficiently and scale without excessive overhead. Matt emphasizes that while job costing is important, his primary focus is on daily throughput and machine-level performance. ProShop's integration with financial tools like QuickBooks has exceeded expectations, allowing APW to maintain clean financials while keeping operations agile. By starting fresh and embracing modern tools, APW has built a lean, scalable business model that serves both its community and the broader manufacturing industry. Matt reflects on the support he received from industry peers and expresses a desire to pay it forward. Though he acknowledges the challenges of starting a machine shop, he remains proud of APW's progress and optimistic about its future. LinkedIn - Matt Bruner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-bruner-9870257b/ American Precision Works - https://www.americanprecisionworks.com/how-we-work Audio and Video Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK | — | ||||||
| 10/15/25 | 40: Shop Transformation Leads to the Largest PO Ever Received - Damon Snider | Snider Precision began as a garage-based machine shop founded by Damon Snider's father in 1978, growing organically over decades through grit, bold decisions, and a passion for machining. Damon started helping as a child, deburring parts and learning CNC operations before joining the Navy. After his father fired an unreliable crew, Damon returned to help and eventually took over the business, bringing fresh energy and a vision for modernization. Under Damon's leadership, the shop transitioned from paper-based workflows to a fully digital system using ProShop ERP. This shift enabled better planning, streamlined operations, and empowered machinists to work independently. The implementation of AS9100 certification was a turning point, unlocking new opportunities with aerospace clients and leading to the company's largest-ever purchase order (PO), securing half of next year's revenue. Damon emphasizes the importance of investing in quality systems, hiring the right people, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. The shop now operates with a robust quality department, a clean and efficient workspace, and a forward-thinking mindset. Relationships with other local shops, like Next Intent, helped inspire the transition and reinforce the value of collaboration in the industry. ProShop has become more than just software; it's the backbone of Snider Precision's operating system. It supports everything from inspections and work instructions to planning and quoting, allowing Damon to focus on strategic growth. The team is still expanding its use of modules like tooling management, aiming for full integration and vendor-supported inventory systems. Snider Precision's journey reflects a generational shift in leadership, where embracing change and technology has transformed the business. With a strong foundation, a growing backlog, and family members involved in operations, Snider Precision is well-positioned for continued success and serves as an inspiring example for other shops considering similar paths. LinkedIn - Damon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damon-snider-a657102ab/ Snider Precision - https://sniderprecision.com Audio and Video Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK | — | ||||||
| 10/1/25 | 39: Driving Excellence and Growth with Jeff Justesen of Oakdale Precision | Oakdale Precision, a manufacturing company, transformed after adopting Pro Shop ERP. Previously reliant on a homegrown software system and tools like spreadsheets, whiteboards, and scattered network drives, the company faced challenges in scheduling, quality control, and tribal knowledge transfer. As the company grew, these limitations became unsustainable, prompting leadership to seek a more structured solution. Jeff Justesen tells how the transition to Pro Shop was facilitated with onboarding across departments. Floor staff quickly adapted to basic functions like scheduling and clocking in/out, while deeper features such as operation components and part check info were gradually adopted. A phased rollout allowed Oakdale to maintain customer continuity while shifting new work orders into the new system. One of the greatest improvements was in lead time reduction. In 2022, the average time from work order creation to shipment was 4.3 weeks; by 2024, it had dropped to 2.7 weeks. This gain was attributed to parallel processing, better scheduling, and proactive quality planning. The ability to move jobs between machines, track tooling, and communicate across departments created a more responsive operation. The software also strengthened collaboration between office and shop floor teams. Messaging tools, process development modules, and structured feedback loops gave machinists and logistics staff a voice in continuous improvement. Employees now feel connected, and hiring has become easier thanks to the clarity Pro Shop brings to onboarding and training. Pro Shop allowed Oakdale's management to shift focus to strategic growth. Instead of patching recurring issues, they now concentrate on market expansion, customer relationships, and long-term planning. The system's ability to capture tribal knowledge and standardize best practices has been critical in preserving expertise and preparing for generational transitions. With over 100 machines and just 65 employees, Oakdale now runs lights-out manufacturing across multiple shifts, maximizing output with minimal staffing. Jeff credits Pro Shop with enabling their evolution from a paper-driven shop to a data-driven operation. The ERP system has become the backbone of their business, supporting everything from quoting and scheduling to inspection and training. As they continue to grow and diversify, Oakdale sees Pro Shop not just as a tool but as a strategic partner in building the future of precision manufacturing. LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-justesen-792049b6/ Email - Jeff Justesen: jj@oakdaleprecision.com Oakdale Precision, Inc. - https://oakdaleprecision.com Audio and Video Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK | — | ||||||
| 9/17/25 | 38: From Job Shop to OEM Manufacturer with Matt from Rise Armament | Matt Torres is the Founder of Rise Armament, a company that manufactures drop-in triggers, rifles, and other firearm accessories. Rise Armament was founded in 2012 as a job shop specializing in contract work for the oil and gas, as well as aerospace industries. Around 2014 or 2015, Matt began designing a drop-in trigger as a side project, driven more by personal interest than business intent. However, when the oil market collapsed in late 2015, the company pivoted fully into firearms manufacturing, launching its own product line under the Rise Armament brand. By 2016, they had phased out contract work entirely and focused exclusively on producing their own products. Since then, the company has experienced steady growth, now employing around 53 people, including 30 in manufacturing. Matt shares how his background as a manufacturing engineer and his desire to build something meaningful led him to entrepreneurship. He once believed that philanthropy would only be possible after achieving financial success, but he soon realized that even while scaling a business, there were ways to make a difference. With many veterans on their team, Rise Armament began supporting organizations like Folds of Honor, Wounded Warrior Project, and Equal Ops. Altruism became one of their core company values. Throughout the conversation, Matt reflects on the challenges of transitioning from contract work to brand ownership, the pros and cons of each model, and the importance of staying mission-focused. The company's core values, originally based on Matt's personal beliefs, evolved through team input and now actively guide hiring and performance reviews, reinforcing culture and accountability. He also highlights the value of business coaching and mentorship, noting that readiness to accept feedback is crucial for growth. He also discusses the role of ProShop software in helping manage growth and operations. Matt explains how the team evolved from relying on informal knowledge and instinct to operating through systems and data, enabling more consistent execution and faster decision-making. He stresses that ProShop is not just a transactional ERP but a full business system tailored for manufacturers. By embedding quality management, training, and process visibility into daily work, it served as a scalable playbook for the company's growth. LinkedIn: Matt Torres - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewttorres/ Instagram: Matt Torres - https://www.instagram.com/matttorresrise/ RISE Armament | Drop-In Triggers, Firearms & AR Parts - https://risearmament.com/ Audio and Video Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK | — | ||||||
| 9/3/25 | 37: The 3rd Generation Takes the Reigns at Gurecky Manufacturing | Gurecky Manufacturing, a third-generation family-owned machine shop, has evolved from humble beginnings in a garage to a 42,000-square-foot facility with over 60 employees. Founded in 1983 by Kellen Montpetit's grandfather, the company has long served the oil and gas sector, though recent efforts aim to diversify into aerospace and other industries. Kellen, now part of the ownership group, and Andrew Sulak, a longtime employee who feels like family, share their journey of modernizing the business while preserving its legacy. Despite its size and complexity, the company maintains a close-knit culture, with many employees wearing multiple hats and contributing across departments. Kellen and Drew both came from non-manufacturing backgrounds but found their place in the business through a mix of opportunity, burnout, and a desire for stability. A major turning point came with the decision to implement ProShop ERP. The previous system was paper-heavy, lacked quality management integration, and couldn't support remote access. ProShop changed all that, streamlining tasks, improving traceability, and enabling digital operations. The transition was challenging but ultimately freed up the team to focus on strategic growth. Quoting and estimating have also become more strategic. The post-COVID landscape has thinned out local competition, increasing demand and forcing Gurecky to handle more work in-house. Their "first in, first out" philosophy ensures fairness and reliability, and their commitment to on-time delivery remains strong. Customer relationships have deepened thanks to ProShop's transparency. Clients are impressed by the system's accessibility and real-time data, which helps resolve discrepancies and build trust. The ERP system has become the foundation for future growth. The shift to ProShop also sparked a cultural transformation. Transparency and collaboration have increased, bridging the gap between the shop floor and the front office. Veteran machinists, initially resistant to change, have slowly embraced the system, especially as they see their feedback valued and documented through process development tools. Younger employees, more accustomed to digital systems, adapted quickly. The team now feels more unified, with clearer communication and shared goals. Ultimately, Gurecky Manufacturing's journey reflects the power of thoughtful modernization. By blending legacy values with cutting-edge tools, they've positioned themselves for continued success, being ready to pass the torch to the next generation while staying true to the principles that built the business. LinkedIn: Kellen Montpetit - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellen-montpetit-8a363097/ LinkedIn: Andrew Sulak - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-sulak-a076a9b7/ Gurecky Manufacturing - https://www.gurecky.com Audio and Video Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK | — | ||||||
| 8/20/25 | 36: Accidental Machine Shop Owner-Dan Fifer with Lane4 Precision | Dan Fifer, Founder of Lane4 Precision, shares his unconventional journey into manufacturing after a 20-year career in medical device engineering. Frustrated by long lead times in R&D, he set out to build a high-performance machine shop to support fast-paced development cycles. Despite having no prior machining experience, he took a leap of faith, selling his house to buy a Citizen L20 Swiss screw machine after learning his parts required that level of precision. Launching the shop was a risk, but momentum grew quickly. Dan started part-time while still working at his previous job and initially billed only a few hours. However, once fellow engineers discovered his capabilities, demand increased rapidly. Over the next seven years, Lane4 Precision produced over 1,000 unique parts (mostly tiny, complex components for medical R&D). His team became known for tackling difficult, low-volume jobs that other shops often declined. From the outset, Dan relied on ProShop ERP to establish a structured and professional operation. With no preconceived shop habits, ProShop provided the architecture to scale from prototype work to full production. He appreciated its flexibility, allowing users to engage with only the features they needed, while offering full traceability, inspection tracking, tool monitoring, and streamlined workflows. As the shop grew, so did its capabilities. Dan added machines based on customer needs. Even though he originally considered writing his own shop software, Dan realized ProShop offered a more digital and complete systematic solution, helping to instill confidence in customers with its robust quality tracking. Despite technical and business demands, the biggest struggle for Dan has been balancing health and family life with work. He reflects that while the work is rewarding and the customer appreciation is fulfilling, the long hours and intensity of running a shop can take a toll. He credits ProShop with saving him from drowning in paperwork, calling it a 24/7 executive assistant that keeps the business running smoothly. He appreciates how ProShop has aided in the independence and pride that he's found in creating a high-functioning operation accidentally, and from scratch. LinkedIn: Dan Fifer - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-fifer-35621791/ Lane4 Precision - http://www.lane4precision.com/ Audio and Video Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK | — | ||||||
| 8/6/25 | 35: Hard for the Right Reasons - Paramount Machine | Paramount Machine, based in Salt Lake City, Utah, is a well-established and highly diversified machine shop with around 70 employees and a wide range of machining capabilities. They specialize in CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine work, including complex operations such as multi-axis and five-axis machining, and serve multiple industries, particularly the medical, defense, and x-ray equipment manufacturing sectors. John Rausch is the general manager at Paramount Machine with a background in machine tool sales, while Eric Van Orden, the founder's son, started from the ground up and now plays a technical leadership role. Their long-term commitment and hands-on experience reflect the company's strong internal culture and emphasis on relationships. The shop faced challenges with its previous ERP system, including limited visibility, reliance on printed travelers, and inefficient time tracking. These issues affected job scheduling, on-time delivery, and material tracking. Their decision to switch to ProShop stemmed from the need for better visibility, process control, and integration across departments. Implementing ProShop has not been easy. It required an adjustment from both the office and the shop floor staff. However, they began seeing improvements in scheduling, tracking, and reducing manual errors. The team values features like live part tracking and digital documentation, which reduce the need for physical traveler copies and cut down confusion. Overall, the transition has been a learning process, but one that Paramount believes is worthwhile. John told me, "It has been hard, but for the right reasons". Paramount Machine continues to invest in its people, technology, and customer relationships. Their emphasis on continuous improvement, collaboration, and adaptability positions them well for future growth and innovation. LinkedIn: Eric Van Orden - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-van-orden-378795314/ LinkedIn: John Rausch - https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-rausch-21449261/ Paramount Machine -https://www.paramount-machine.com/ Audio and Video Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK | — | ||||||
| 7/23/25 | 34: A Dream Come True - ERP, QMS & MES in One with Gioni Bianchini | End 2 End Manufacturing didn't start with high-tech machines or enterprise systems. It began as a contract welding shop focused on responsiveness, trust, and doing right by the customer. As the company grew, adding CNC machining, design, and prototyping capabilities, it became clear that tribal knowledge and whiteboards couldn't sustain the pace. That's where Gioni Bianchini, General Manager, saw an opportunity for real change. In this episode, Gioni Bianchini, the General Manager at End 2 End Manufacturing, shares the story of that transformation, how a lean but ambitious team evolved their culture, their operations, and their entire workflow by adopting ProShop ERP. But it wasn't just about new software. It was about visibility, alignment, and creating space for machinists and fabricators to take real ownership of their work. From improving accountability to breaking down silos, Gioni reflects on what it took to guide his team through change while keeping their hands-on values intact. Whether you're at the beginning of your digital journey or deep into scaling challenges, this conversation offers a grounded, honest look at what real manufacturing transformation looks like in practice. LinkedIn - Gioni Bianchini: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gioni-bianchini-4a015b18/ End 2 End Manufacturing - www.e2emfg.com Audio and Video Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK | — | ||||||
| 7/10/25 | 33: 4x Growth in 1.5 Years at Serbin Machining | Shops can lose money quietly due to missed deadlines, rushed shipping, and confusion that no one wants to admit. The real issue is often buried in scattered paper records and knowledge locked in one person's head. It feels normal until survival is at risk. At Serbin Machining, there was no pretending things would improve on their own. New owners saw the chaos immediately and decided to invest in ProShop ERP before even closing the deal. The goal was to replace guesswork with clear, live tracking of every job. Paper records and disconnected spreadsheets were out. Instead, the team could see exactly what was due, where materials were located, and how work was progressing in real time. That level of visibility turned daily operations from crisis management into smooth planning. Revenue didn't just grow, it quadrupled in 18 months with almost the same workforce. Formal training, clear roles, and second-shift expansion became possible. Customer calls dropped from 90 minutes to 15 because the answers were ready. ProShop delivered more than software. It enforced accountability, streamlined communication, and made growth sustainable. For any shop hitting its limit without knowing why, this story proves transparency isn't optional; it's how you stay alive and scale. LinkedIn - Serbin Machining: https://www.linkedin.com/company/serbin-machining-inc-/about/ Serbin Machining - https://www.serbinmachining.com/ Audio and Video Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK | — | ||||||
| 6/25/25 | 32: Designing and Growing an Ideal Machine Shop with Tim Rousseau | Most shop owners don't realize how much the structure and feel of their shop impact everything, including employee morale, customer trust, and long-term growth. Caught up in production chaos, they overlook the deeper issues holding them back: clunky systems, reactive decision-making, and a culture built on fear rather than trust. Tim Rousseau changed all that. He built Above All CNC to be clean, safe, and forward-thinking intentionally. His big shift? Ditching paper and guesswork for ProShop ERP. It gave his growing shop the structure it needed to handle complexity without the stress. Now, every part of his operation, from quoting to inspection, is consistent, trackable, and efficient. Audits go smoother. Employees take pride in their work. Customers keep coming back. If you're still running your shop off spreadsheets and gut feel, this episode might just be your turning point. LinkedIn - Tim Rousseau: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-rousseau-b2309b20/ CNC Inc - https://aboveallcnc.com/ Audio and Video Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK | — | ||||||
| 6/11/25 | 31: Life Changing Transformation with Perry Kuehn of K Tooling | Most shop owners don't realize it, but the way they lead their team and the systems they use may be quietly holding them back. In this episode, we hear from Perry Kuehn of K Tooling, a shop owner with decades of experience who thought his business was running fine… until it nearly ran off the rails. What followed was a transformation that reshaped his culture, workflow, and client relationships. And it started with one bold decision. At first, Perry was focused on growth: new machines, new buildings, new customers. But under the surface, delivery dates were slipping, team members were stressed, and quality issues were creeping in. The systems in place, both technological and cultural, weren't built for scale, and Perry soon realized it wasn't just a software problem. Leadership needed to change, too. That's when he went all-in on ProShop ERP. But adopting a new system didn't just mean new screens or better scheduling. It became the catalyst for a complete reset in how the team operated and how they were led. Perry shares openly about the resistance, the tough personnel decisions, and the leap of faith required to shut off their old ERP cold turkey. The shift was immediate and profound. Delivery stabilized. Quality improved. Communication got clearer. And for the first time in a long time, the team wasn't just keeping up, they were thriving. Perry also reveals how these internal changes paved the way for external wins: major new contracts, ISO and AS9100 certifications, and his highest month of incoming sales on record. If you've ever wondered what it really takes to evolve from a reactive job shop into a high-trust, high-performance operation, or how leadership, culture, and the right systems are deeply connected, this episode offers a powerful firsthand account of what that transformation can look like. LinkedIn: Perry Kuehn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/perry-kuehn-6a197210/ K Tooling - https://www.ktooling.com/ Audio and Video Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK | — | ||||||
| 5/28/25 | 30: Pride, Passion, and Purpose in Machining | Some machine shop owners come into the industry late. Adam Verdon was born into it. From shredding paper in the office as a toddler to operating machines as a teenager, Adam grew up at G.V. Industries, the precision machining company his father founded in 1978 after returning from Vietnam. Today, he's not just leading the company, he's reshaping it. With a deep respect for GV's history and a clear vision for its future, Adam set out to modernize the shop from the inside out. That meant more than swapping paper travelers for terminals or spreadsheets for software. It meant earning trust, building buy-in, and creating a culture where machinists and their ideas matter. When the team embraced ProShop ERP, they didn't just get a new system. They got visibility, clarity, and ownership. Tribal knowledge became shared knowledge. Workflow friction disappeared. And the change didn't come through top-down mandates, it came from listening. This episode is about more than digital transformation. It's about what happens when the next generation takes the wheel and drives with both head and heart. LinkedIn - Adam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-verdon-6b4292267 G.V. Industries - gvindustries.biz Audio and Video Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK | — | ||||||
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