Busy vs. Productive – How to Work Smarter and Grow Faster | Ep 224
Release Date: 11/12/2025
Navigating Uncertainty for CNC Shop Success | Ep 225
Talkin Shop with ShopSabre
With the economy in 2025 being so unpredictable, learn how to keep your shop moving forward even when things get tough. Stay productive, confident, and proactive by using proven strategies from ShopSabre's Talkin' Shop podcast. Hosts Brandon Bombardo and Nick Peters discuss real-world challenges such as supply chain issues, rising costs, and labor shortages, and show how you can turn these problems into growth opportunities through automation and smart choices. This episode explores how uncertainty is a normal part of running a shop, especially in manufacturing and CNC work. Find out why...
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Busy vs. Productive – How to Work Smarter and Grow Faster | Ep 224
Talkin Shop with ShopSabre
Discover the key difference between being busy and being truly productive in your manufacturing or shop business—essential for entrepreneurs aiming to scale efficiently. In this episode of Talkin' Shop, host Brandon Bombardo and guest Nick Peters dive deep into why wearing "busy" as a badge of honor often hinders real progress, and how shifting to focused, measurable efforts can transform your operations. We break down real-world examples from shops struggling with constant firefighting, redundant tasks, and inefficiencies like manual cutting that lead to recuts and wasted time. Learn how...
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Financing vs. Cash: A Shop's Growth Guide | Ep 223
Talkin Shop with ShopSabre
In this episode of Talkin' Shop, Brandon and Nick tackle a critical decision for shop growth: financing new CNC equipment versus paying with cash. Discover why using cash reserves might be slowing you down and how strategic leveraging can protect your cash flow and scale your business faster in 2025 and beyond. Brandon argues that financing a productive asset, like a CNC machine, should be viewed as a growth tool, not just debt. He compares it to hiring an employee—you wouldn't pay their entire year's salary upfront, so why deplete your capital on a machine that generates revenue?. The...
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The Mindset for True Business Success | Ep 222
Talkin Shop with ShopSabre
What is the true definition of success? In this episode of Talkin Shop, Brandon and Nick Peters provide a realistic blueprint for how to build a successful business that not only survives but thrives. They challenge the "one-size-fits-all" definition of success and explore the essential mindsets and strategies you need to win. Learn about the three core mindsets of successful entrepreneurs: resilience, adaptability, and long-term focus. Discover the "VIP" (Value, Insight, Process) framework for building a reliable business, and why execution is the key to turning ideas into reality. Brandon...
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CNC Mastery: Refine Your Craft & Grow Your Shop | Ep 221
Talkin Shop with ShopSabre
Are you a CNC shop owner or fabricator striving for more precision, greater output, and increased revenue? In this insightful episode of "Talkin' Shop with ShopSabre" [00:08], hosts Brandon Bombardo and Nick Peters dive deep into the philosophy that mastery is built, not bought. This isn't about quick wins; it's about refining your craft and taking deliberate steps towards sustainable growth. Discover why investing in continuous improvement—from your people and processes to your products—is the cornerstone of long-term success. Many businesses make the mistake of believing that growth will...
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Don't Feed the Trolls: How to Handle Negativity & Grow Your Business | Ep 220
Talkin Shop with ShopSabre
In this episode of Talkin' Shop, we're tackling a topic every entrepreneur knows all too well: the haters and doubters. We'll break down why negativity can feel so powerful and, more importantly, how to shift your focus to what truly matters – your supporters. We'll discuss practical strategies for dealing with online trolls and turning criticism into motivation. After all, haters don't pay the bills, your fans do! Chapters (0:00) Intro & Opening Customer Questions / Comments: (5:20) Question 1 (6:05) Question 2 (7:05) Question 3 (11:12) Bonus Comment (15:37) Main Topic (31:38) Closing...
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Why 'American Made' Matters: Boosting Your Business & Local Economy | Ep 219
Talkin Shop with ShopSabre
Unlock the true power of "American Made" with Brandon and Nick on Talkin Shop with ShopSabre! This episode goes beyond the surface to reveal how choosing American-made products drives business success, enhances quality control, and strengthens the economy. Avoid the hidden costs of imports and understand why investing locally is a smart move for long-term reliability and growth. Topics Covered: The misconception of "American Made" as just a label [01:50] How supporting domestic manufacturing strengthens your local economy [30:57] The advantages of higher quality control and consistent...
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Perception vs. Reality: Why Trusting the Process is Your Best Defense | Ep 218
Talkin Shop with ShopSabre
In this insightful episode of Talkin' Shop, hosts Brandon Bombardo and Nick Peters dive deep into the critical topic of 'Perception vs. Reality in Business'. Discover why trusting your process is the ultimate protection for your business, especially in a world where opinions often spread faster than facts. Learn about the 'Dunning-Kruger effect' through a memorable real-life example and understand its implications for your team and customers. This discussion emphasizes the importance of educating rather than debating, focusing on consistency, and letting proven results speak louder than...
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AI & Predictive Tools: Using Tech to Beat Business Uncertainty | Ep 217
Talkin Shop with ShopSabre
Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s on everyone’s mind right now: uncertainty. The world is unpredictable — supply chains, costs, customer demand — and waiting until problems hit is no longer an option. That’s why forward-thinking CNC shops are turning to AI and predictive tools to stay ahead. Don’t worry, this isn’t about replacing people with robots — it’s about giving your shop better visibility, smarter planning, and a competitive edge. Chapters (0:00) Intro (2:24) Open Customer Questions / Comments: (4:14) Question 1 (5:42)...
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Running a CNC Business: Why It’s Worth the Ride | Ep 216
Talkin Shop with ShopSabre
Today I wanna step back away from the machines and the numbers and the stress and talk about something a little bit bigger and that's running a business, managing a shop, or even just working in the industry. It's not always easy, but here's the truth, it's not that bad. When you actually zoom out it's a ride that's worth enjoying. Chapters (0:00) Intro (2:30) Open Customer Questions / Comments: (4:55) What is the thickest the Fiber Laser can cut? (7:34) I will say, I’ve talked to your tech on my 23 and they are great – I will say other products I would have purchased...
info_outlineDiscover the key difference between being busy and being truly productive in your manufacturing or shop business—essential for entrepreneurs aiming to scale efficiently. In this episode of Talkin' Shop, host Brandon Bombardo and guest Nick Peters dive deep into why wearing "busy" as a badge of honor often hinders real progress, and how shifting to focused, measurable efforts can transform your operations.
We break down real-world examples from shops struggling with constant firefighting, redundant tasks, and inefficiencies like manual cutting that lead to recuts and wasted time. Learn how integrating CNC automation, such as ShopSabre machines with nesting software and automatic tool changers, frees up your team for high-value work, reduces lead times, and boosts output by up to 15% without adding staff. We discuss identifying productivity leaks through time tracking, workflow mapping, and prioritizing impact over urgency, plus mindset shifts for leaders to foster accountability and sustainable growth.
Whether you're in woodworking, metal fabrication, or any CNC-driven industry, these strategies help you work smarter—not harder—measuring success by outcomes like happier customers, higher margins, and the ability to leave at 5 PM feeling accomplished. From Amazon's automation tactics to small shop success stories, get actionable insights to outsmart inefficiencies and build a thriving business.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro to Talkin' Shop & Episode Topic
00:55 - Fun Banter: ShopSabre Chili Contest
05:20 - Viewer Questions & Comments
10:00 - Defining Busy vs Productive
14:00 - Shop Examples: CNC Efficiency Gains
20:00 - Spotting Productivity Leaks & Fixes
28:00 - Leadership Mindset for Growth
35:00 - CNC Automation: Key to Scaling
#CNC #Productivity #BusinessGrowth #ShopManagement #Manufacturing #Automation #Entrepreneur #SmallBusiness #Woodworking #MetalFabrication #ShopSabre #TalkinShop #SuccessTips #Efficiency #cncmachineshop
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ShopSabre CNC
www.ShopSabre.com
21673 Cedar Ave, Lakeville, MN 55044
800-493-6021