Staying Connected through Your Front Line Leaders Part 2
Making Sparks Podcast for Fabrication Leaders
Release Date: 07/30/2024
How to Fix Your Quoting Process Before it Kills Your Shop
Making Sparks Podcast for Fabrication Leaders
Most fabrication shops struggle with quoting—whether it’s using outdated spreadsheets, clunky ERP systems, or just not having the time to do it right. In this episode, we sit down with Jason Ray, CEO and co-founder of Paperless Parts, to talk about how modern software can make quoting faster, more accurate, and actually help your shop make more money. Jason breaks down why so many shops have ERP trauma, how to fix broken quoting workflows, and why AI isn’t the magic bullet everyone thinks it is. He also shares insights on the massive reshoring wave happening in US manufacturing and what...
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How Weld.com is Bringing Welding Education Online
Making Sparks Podcast for Fabrication Leaders
In this episode, Casey and Matthew sit down with Beau Wigington from Weld.com to explore how digital content is reshaping welding education and career growth. Beau shares his journey from being a musician to becoming a full-time content creator in the welding industry. They dive into the impact of social media, YouTube, and online learning in making welding knowledge more accessible than ever. Episode Highlights: [00:00:47] Beau’s Journey to Weld.com – From a career in music to discovering welding during the pandemic and competing in a welding competition that changed everything....
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How to Streamline Metal Sales
Making Sparks Podcast for Fabrication Leaders
In this episode, Matthew and Casey sit down with Lee from Bryzos to dive into how the company is reshaping the steel pricing landscape and offering innovative solutions to fabricators. They dive into the word of instant pricing and streamlined procurement in the metal industry. Episode Highlights: [00:00:07] Lee explains how Bryzos is transforming the way fabricators buy and sell material with real-time pricing that challenges the traditional metal quoting process. [00:03:10] A deep dive into Bryzo's journey from it's creation to current desktop app [00:07:06]...
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How to Leverage Conferences and Tradeshows to Grow Your Fabrication Business
Making Sparks Podcast for Fabrication Leaders
In this special FABTECH edition of Making Sparks, Casey Voelker and Matthew Nix sit down with Nick Goellner and Mike Payne to explore the value of conferences like FABTECH for driving business growth, building relationships, and planning for the future of metal fabrication. 🎙 Episode Highlights: [0:28] Why building relationships at FABTECH is more than just networking—it's planting seeds for long-term success. [6:10] The importance of stepping away from the grind and focusing on working on your business instead of in it. [12:40] How having the right team allows leaders to grow their...
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Crafting Metal and Breaking Barriers with Barbie the Welder and Sarah Stork
Making Sparks Podcast for Fabrication Leaders
In this special FABTECH edition of Making Sparks, Casey Voelker and Matthew Nix sit down with two incredible guests, Barbie the Welder and Sarah Stotk, to dive into the artistry, resilience, and transformative power of welding. 🎙 Episode Highlights: 🔹 [2:00] Meet Barbie and Sarah, two trailblazing welding artists turning raw metal into breathtaking sculptures. 🔹 [5:30] Sarah shares her inspiring journey of turning a sexist comment into a masterpiece. 🔹 [10:45] Barbie reflects on the challenges of launching her career and the doubters who fueled her success. 🔹 [18:20] A...
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The People Behind the Sparks
Making Sparks Podcast for Fabrication Leaders
In this special FabTech edition episode, we sat down with Jim Mayer, Founder of the Manufacturing Connector, and Mike Payne, Owner at Hill Manufacturing and the host of Buy the Numbers, to discuss the real driving force behind the industry: its people. From leadership lessons to celebrating the collaborative spirit of the industry, this episode dives into the human stories that make manufacturing thrive. Episode Highlights: [00:00] Introduction and FabTech reflections: why the event stands out. [03:10] Meet Jim Mayer: his journey from bartending to becoming a manufacturing...
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Solving Labor Shortages with Cobots
Making Sparks Podcast for Fabrication Leaders
In this episode of MakingSparks, we sit down with Matt Bush, co-founder of Hirebotics, to explore how cobot welding is addressing one of manufacturing's biggest challenges: the labor shortage. From streamlining automation to delivering consistent weld quality, Matt shares how cobots are revolutionizing fabrication for shops of all sizes. We also discuss the differences between cobots and traditional robots, the evolution of automation technology, and Hirebotics’ mission to make robotics simple and accessible. Whether you're a shop owner, welder, or just fascinated by innovation, this...
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Empowering Small Shops with Automation
Making Sparks Podcast for Fabrication Leaders
In this episode of Making Sparks, we sit down with Joshua Battles from Forge and Tripp Hudson of Machine Pilot and The Way Automation to dive into the transformative power of automation in small job shops. From laser cutting and robotic integration to making automation accessible for low-volume work, Joshua and Tripp share practical insights and real-life examples of how technology can empower employees and enhance efficiency. We also discuss the role of automation in preserving the backbone of American manufacturing—family-owned shops and owner-operators. Tune in to learn how small changes...
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Bridging Generations in the Shop
Making Sparks Podcast for Fabrication Leaders
In this episode of MakingSparks, Casey Voelker and Matthew Nix sit down with Sam Gingerich, a 21-year-old shop manager at Wertzbaugher Services, to talk about the unique challenges of leading a team in the metal fabrication and trailer repair industry. Sam shares his story of growing from a technician into a leadership role, navigating the complexities of managing peers, and balancing modern techniques with old-school craftsmanship. They dive into the importance of patience and problem-solving, the rewards of delivering high-quality work, and how Sam bridges generational gaps with his team to...
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New Leadership Takes Over 150 Year Old Steel Fabrication Company
Making Sparks Podcast for Fabrication Leaders
In this episode of Making Sparks, Casey Voelker and Matthew Nix sit down with Noah Dell, president of Champion Bridge, to explore the journey of a 150-year-old company embracing the future. Noah shares his experience taking over the family business, from updating old-school processes to integrating a brand-new Python beam line that’s transforming their fabrication capabilities. They cover the challenges of preserving legacy while adopting new tech, the nuances of capital investment, and why even an "old-school" business can feel like a startup. Noah also reveals his strategies for navigating...
info_outlineHow can leadership remain connected to what’s happening on the shop floor? At Nix, we’ve found a creative way to bridge a gap that many businesses experience. We’ve implemented a program that allows our front line to address problems and propose solutions so that their everyday real-world problems are being fixed. Dakota Hunt and Jack Henry Hagan return to share how this program has positively impacted them and the business.
– Matthew Nix
Segments
- [1:03] Netsuite by Oracle’s CFO's Ultimate KPI Checklist
- [4:56] Casey’s dad joke (stolen from his five-year-old)
- [5:41] The essential part(s) of an improvement program
- [15:48] Spark of Knowledge: Business development
- [16:59] Why communication is critical for success
- [19:37] The most rewarding part of this industry
- [21:55] The importance of a culture of respect
Resources mentioned on this episode
- Netsuite by Oracle’s CFO's Ultimate KPI Checklist