Making Sparks Podcast for Fabrication Leaders

Matthew Nix and I, Casey Voelker, are here to speak to the welding and fabrication industry. And just like MakingChips, we want to equip and inspire while attracting the next generation. Everyone will have some takeaways from MakingSparks.

From Curiosity to Career: How SparkShop is Building the Next Generation of Makers, Episode #61 05/06/2026

From Curiosity to Career: How SparkShop is Building the Next Generation of Makers, Episode #61 What if the biggest challenge in manufacturing isn’t technology, but timing? In this episode of MakingSparks, host Brendon DiVincenzo sits down with Shonali Ditz, co-founder and executive director of SparkShop, to explore a powerful idea: we’re trying to solve a talent pipeline problem far too late. Shonali’s journey from engineering student to nonprofit founder started with a realization that many in the industry share—there simply aren’t enough people entering manufacturing and engineering. But instead of focusing on recruiting at the college or job level, she and her team went upstream… all the way to elementary school. What they’ve built is a hands-on, curiosity-driven approach that introduces kids to engineering before they ever decide what they “are” or “aren’t” good at. This conversation goes beyond STEM buzzwords and into something more fundamental: identity. How do kids see themselves? Do they believe they can solve problems, build things, or think like engineers? Through real-world examples, classroom stories, and practical insights, this episode reveals how early exposure, hands-on learning, and reframing failure can unlock entirely new pathways into manufacturing. For shop owners, leaders, and anyone concerned about the future workforce, this episode is a wake-up call—and a blueprint. Because if you want more skilled people in your shop tomorrow, you may need to start inspiring them when they’re ten years old today. Resources Mentioned in this Episode (0:00) Building resilience, teamwork, and emotional skills through hands-on learning (1:17) The challenge of explaining manufacturing to kids (2:11) Shonali’s background and discovering hands-on engineering through Formula SAE (5:18) Why you need to join us at IMTS 2026! (6:11) Realizing the talent pipeline problem and the origin of SparkShop (9:50) Making manufacturing engaging and relatable for young minds (13:30) Different motivations that draw people into making and problem-solving (16:21) Labor shortages, limiting beliefs, and the need to rethink hiring barriers (20:10) The evolution of modern manufacturing and workforce expectations (22:00) Why we love using SMW Autoblok for workholding (22:43) Inside the SparkShop model: hands-on, teacher-led STEM curriculum (25:41) Learning through failure and building confidence with early exposure (29:46) Connecting manufacturing to the real world students see every day (34:11) Why you need to listen to the Lights Out podcast (34:36) Teacher feedback and increased engagement from all types of students (36:38) Developing teamwork, empathy, and problem-solving skills (39:24) Long-term impact and expanding the pipeline through high school internships (42:41) Preparing the next generation for workplace expectations (43:57) Bridging the gap between industry and young talent Resources mentioned on this episode Why you need to join us at ! Why we love using Why you need to listen to the Reach out to to get involved Connect with Brendon DiVincenzo Connect on Connect with MakingSparks Follow on Follow on MakingSparks /episode/index/show/bdb284d5-4711-4804-b82b-add408eeb3b2/id/41162495

Passing the Torch: The Next Chapter of MakingSparks, Ep #60 04/22/2026

Passing the Torch: The Next Chapter of MakingSparks, Ep #60 Change in manufacturing rarely comes quietly—and neither does progress. In this special episode of MakingSparks, longtime hosts Matthew Nix and Casey Velker take a moment to reflect, rewind, and ultimately pass the mic to the next voice of the show: Brendon DiVicenzo. It’s not an ending—it’s a handoff mid-stride. Matthew and Casey revisit the origin story of MakingSparks, from a short-run idea built around 100x growth to a full-fledged podcast embedded in the MakingChips ecosystem. Along the way, they’ve built something bigger than episodes—a platform for honest conversations, shared lessons, and a growing community of fabricators willing to pull back the curtain on how they really run their businesses. But like any good shop floor evolution, this transition is rooted in focus. Casey leans deeper into storytelling, culture, and video. Matthew explores new opportunities around family business and leadership. And stepping into the spotlight is Brendon—a manufacturing lifer with deep technical expertise, a front-row seat to shop transformation, and a passion for telling the stories that don’t always get told. As the conversation unfolds, the trio digs into what makes this industry so resilient right now—from the rise of automation and AI to the growing investment thesis around “HALO” (Heavy Asset, Low Obsolescence). Through it all, one thing stays constant: manufacturing is still, and always will be, a people-first business. This episode isn’t a goodbye. It’s a recalibration—and a launch point for what’s next. Resources Mentioned in this Episode (0:00) The rise of “HALO” investing and why manufacturing is gaining attention (1:42) Matthew and Casey reveal a major announcement (4:38) The “why” behind MakingSparks’ creation (and it’s growth) (7:15) The impact of storytelling and listener feedback (8:11) Casey shares what’s next: culture, marketing, and video (11:00) The value of an outsider perspective on the show (13:32) Brendon’s background in manufacturing and engineering (18:43) Why people are the most rewarding part of manufacturing (23:19) How automation and technology is leveling the playing field (25:29) How manufacturing skillsets are evolving (continuous learning) (28:44) Brendon’s vision for the future: highlighting people (32:57) Technology enhancing—not replacing—the workforce (35:09) Final reflections and gratitude from Matthew, Casey, and Brendon Resources mentioned on this episode Connect with Brendon DiVincenzo Connect on Connect with MakingSparks Follow on Follow on MakingSparks /episode/index/show/bdb284d5-4711-4804-b82b-add408eeb3b2/id/40959650

The Hard Truth About Pricing Your Work 03/25/2026

The Hard Truth About Pricing Your Work In this episode, hosts Matthew and Casey sit down with Codie Aljets, owner and artist behind Sage Country Customs, to talk about the realities of building a business around custom metal art. Codie shares how he turned his passion for high-detail metal artwork into a full-time career, the lessons he’s learned about pricing creative work, and why relationships, storytelling, and value matter just as much as the craftsmanship itself. From navigating the business side of being an artist to building meaningful pieces that clients will treasure for generations, this conversation dives deep into what it really takes to succeed in the metal art world. In this episode, you’ll learn: The hard truth about pricing your work and valuing your time Why many artists and fabricators undervalue what they create How personal relationships drive high-end custom work The role of storytelling and meaning in custom metal art Why word-of-mouth and real-world events often outperform social media How philanthropy and community involvement can grow your brand Why the metal art community is one of the most supportive in the industry Timestamps: 00:01:05 – Introduction to Codie Aljets and Sage Country Customs 00:02:02 – Building a business around high-detail custom metal art 00:05:23 – Why Codie focuses only on art instead of general fabrication 00:08:03 – The business side of being a welding artist 00:09:55 – Building relationships with clients through in-person events 00:12:57 – Using art and philanthropy to give back to the community 00:16:04 – The hard truth about valuing your work and pricing your art 00:20:03 – Creating custom pieces that tell a client’s story 00:24:59 – Turning the delivery of art into a full experience for clients 00:31:46 – The supportive community among metal artists and creators 00:38:31 – Advice for artists building a career in custom metalwork Resources: Sage Country Customs (Codie Aljets): Follow Codie Aljets on Instagram: Lights Out Podcast by Making Chips: Buy the Numbers Podcast by Making Chips: If you’re a fabricator, artist, or shop owner trying to build something meaningful with your work, this episode will challenge how you think about value, pricing, and the business behind creativity. Let’s keep making sparks. 🔥 /episode/index/show/bdb284d5-4711-4804-b82b-add408eeb3b2/id/40334160

What Modern Fabricators Can Learn from Blacksmiths 03/11/2026

The Critical Few: How to Focus Your Business for Real Growth 02/25/2026

The Critical Few: How to Focus Your Business for Real Growth 🔥 Welcome to Making Sparks, the podcast where we ignite your passion for metal fabrication and fuel your business success! 🔥 In this episode, hosts Matthew and Casey sit down with executive coach Brent Rasche to unpack what strategic planning really looks like inside a growing manufacturing business. From shiny object syndrome to identifying the “critical few,” this conversation dives deep into why planning isn’t a one-time offsite event — it’s a discipline that must be exercised consistently. They discuss how to build a leadership rhythm that sticks, why transparency drives alignment, and how to pivot when necessary without abandoning your long-term vision. If you’ve ever struggled with focus, consistency, or getting your team aligned around what truly matters, this episode will challenge and sharpen your leadership approach. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why strategic planning is a muscle — not an event How to identify and protect your “critical few” priorities The difference between discipline and motivation in business execution When and how to adjust your plan without becoming reactive Why scorecards and cadence create clarity across your organization How transparency strengthens leadership and team trust Why building a balanced leadership team prevents blind spots Timestamps: 00:00:19 – Welcome to Making Sparks and introduction of Brent Rasche 00:03:39 – Lessons from automotive manufacturing and business cadence 00:06:29 – Why strategic planning matters (even for opportunistic companies) 00:12:04 – Planning as a muscle, not just an event 00:17:10 – Transparency, alignment, and connecting roles to the bigger picture 00:22:26 – Adjusting the plan without losing the vision 00:34:43 – Simplifying priorities and focusing on the critical few 00:46:55 – Discipline vs. motivation and the compound effect in leadership Resources: Connect with Brent Rasche: Follow Brent Rasche on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/brent-rasche-focalpoint/ Lights Out Podcast by Making Chips: Buy the Numbers Podcast by Making Chips: If you’re not making strategic plans, you’re not making money. Let’s keep building better businesses — and let’s make sparks fly. 🔥 /episode/index/show/bdb284d5-4711-4804-b82b-add408eeb3b2/id/40214710

The Price of Progress: Investing in Machines, People, and Trust 01/28/2026

From Logos to Legacy: Why Your Brand Needs a Story 01/14/2026

From the Shop Floor to Magnolia Network: Why Authenticity Wins 12/31/2025

The Science Behind Better Welders and Better Shops 12/17/2025

The Science Behind Better Welders and Better Shops Most fab shops say they can’t find good welders. Nate Bowman says that’s not the real problem. From outdated training models to unclear career pathways to leaders expecting loyalty without direction, this episode breaks down why shops struggle to hire and retain talent and what to do instead. Live from FABTECH 2025, host Casey Voelker sits down with Nate Bowman, aka The Weld Scientist, to unpack the real science behind training welders, building sustainable career paths, and adopting technology without falling for hype. This conversation connects people, process, and innovation in a way every shop owner and leader needs to hear. It’s not just about welding technique. It’s about creating an industry people actually want to stay in. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why most shops don’t have a hiring problem, they have a pathway problem How helping new welders win early changes long-term retention What outdated welding education gets wrong and how shops can fix it Why showing up in person still matters when hiring How to structure clear pay and growth paths from day one Which welding technologies are worth the investment and which are overhyped Why training and culture matter more than any new piece of equipment Timestamps: 01:05 – Meet Nate Bowman and the mission behind Weld Science 04:55 – Why early wins matter when training new welders 08:45 – The culture problem in welding education 12:10 – Teaching real-world skills vs outdated processes 15:50 – Why “apply online” isn’t enough anymore 17:15 – Building clear pay and career pathways in your shop 25:20 – Cobots, laser welding, and separating hype from reality Resources: Follow Nate Bowman (The Weld Scientist) on Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube: https://www.linkedin.com/in/weldscientist/ Lights Out Podcast by Making Chips: Buy the Numbers Podcast by Making Chips: /episode/index/show/bdb284d5-4711-4804-b82b-add408eeb3b2/id/39424360

You Can’t Elbow Your Way to Leadership — Goodhart Sons’ Wake-Up Call 12/03/2025

You Can’t Elbow Your Way to Leadership — Goodhart Sons’ Wake-Up Call Most fab shops talk about culture. Marc and Mike Goodhart had to rebuild theirs. From stepping into a fifth-generation family business… to confronting the hard truth that you can’t “muscle” your way into leadership… to reshaping a 90-year-old company around accountability, clarity, and people—the Goodhart brothers’ story is a blueprint for every shop trying to build something that lasts. In this episode, Marc and Mike open up about the real work behind succession, culture, profit-sharing, next-gen recruiting, and running a family business with honesty and humility. Their insights are raw, practical, and grounded in decades of lessons learned the hard way. It’s not just about fabrication. It’s about building a shop people are proud to be part of. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why leadership in a family business must be earned, not inherited How to rebuild culture by simplifying values and setting expectations The surprising reason employees want family succession How Goodhart Sons partners with schools to attract the next generation Why dignity matters—even when letting someone go How profit-sharing creates ownership and stability for shop-floor workers What it takes to sustain a 90-year legacy in a modern industry 03:30 – The Goodhart Legacy: How a 90-year-old fab shop survives into Gen4 and Gen5. 05:50 – Earning Your Place: Why ownership in a family business must be earned, not inherited. 11:47 – Next-Gen Recruiting: How Goodhart Sons partners with schools to attract young talent. 20:23 – Firing With Dignity: The philosophy behind treating people well—even on the way out. 26:08 – Profit Sharing Explained: How their compensation model protects jobs and builds loyalty. 29:12 – Culture Simplified: Turning 12 legacy objectives into a modern, memorable culture system. Resources: Join our Facebook Group for conversations that will help grow your business: Connect with Goodhart Sons on LinkedIn: Goodhart Sons Website: Lights Out Podcast: Buy the Numbers Podcast: /episode/index/show/bdb284d5-4711-4804-b82b-add408eeb3b2/id/39236680

Reviving the Trades: Santiago Rivera on Tough Love, Structure, and Second Chances 11/19/2025

Reviving the Trades: Santiago Rivera on Tough Love, Structure, and Second Chances Most welding instructors teach technique. Santiago Rivera teaches transformation. From learning to weld left-handed for a car… to surviving addiction… to rebuilding a welding program that changed hundreds of students’ lives—Santiago’s story is one of grit, redemption, and unwavering purpose. In this episode, Santiago opens up about the journey that shaped him, the students who motivate him, and the leadership philosophy that’s helping revive the trades for the next generation. It’s not just about welding. It’s about building people. In this episode, you’ll learn: How a simple deal with his mom launched his entire welding career The leadership mindset Santiago uses to build trust and structure in his classroom Why honesty and consistency matter more than talent How he grew a welding program from 42 to 123 students The role of mentors, tough love, and accountability in shaping young welders What today’s trade students are really struggling with—and how to reach them How personal purpose fuels professional impact Timestamps: 3:00 – The origin story: learning to weld left-handed for a car 9:00 – “I was a functioning crack addict”: Santiago’s personal turning point 14:00 – Growing the program: from 42 students to 123 and securing a $700K grant 20:30 – “I want to teach you how to do life”: structure, character, and honesty 22:45 – His mother’s legacy: running 105 welders in the 1970s 31:30 – Kayak Fishing with Christ: the 6,000-member ministry changing lives Resources: Join our Facebook Group for conversations that will help grow your business: Connect with Santiago on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/santiago-rivera-5584b230/ Learn more about Northern Virginia Community College’s Welding Program: Lights Out Podcast: Buy the Numbers Podcast: /episode/index/show/bdb284d5-4711-4804-b82b-add408eeb3b2/id/39081695

Character Over Competency: Why Blue Collar Leadership Starts with Vulnerability 11/05/2025

Character Over Competency: Why Blue Collar Leadership Starts with Vulnerability Most leaders in manufacturing are focused on performance, process, and technical competence. But when a team is underperforming, the root cause often has nothing to do with skills or processes like Lean—it's about character. In this essential episode, the hosts sit down with Mac and Ria, founders of Blue Collar Leadership, live from the Fabtech show floor. Drawing from 20 years on the factory floor and extensive work in the Lean methodology, Mac shares why the most critical investment a company can make is in the personal growth and character development of its frontline employees. They challenge the notion of "management" and introduce a unique, low-cost method for inspiring and identifying true leaders throughout your organization. This conversation offers a powerful shift in perspective: leadership is influence, and by helping people become better spouses, parents, and community members, you organically create better employees. In this episode, you’ll learn: - Why most manufacturing leadership training focuses on management, not influence. - The personal cost of a career where leaders invested “zero dollars and zero minutes” in character development. - The simple, non-judgemental "book study" method that leads to personal transformation. - Why vulnerability and personal stories—especially when you got it wrong—are essential for connecting with blue-collar teams. - How to let potential leaders self-identify based on their hunger for growth, regardless of their title. - Why the culture you build must be about the people first, not just the ROI or the company. Timestamps: 0:26 – The philosophy of "going slow to go fast" in business. 3:15 – The lack of leadership development in manufacturing: "4 or 5 hands" out of 130 attendees. 3:46 – Mac's 20-year journey from CNC operator to Lean Manager. 4:33 – Why the "Blue Collar Leadership" brand is a badge of honor, not a label. 5:40 – Discovering the Seven Habits and finding the missing piece of Lean. 9:01 – Ria’s story: leading as a Director of Compliance with influence, not authority. 10:57 – The biggest difference between Blue Collar Leadership and corporate training: the stories. 11:31 – The difference between universal principles and applicable practices. 14:00 – Why blue-collar workers are on alert for inauthentic leaders. 20:42 – The importance of leaders investing in their own development first. 32:41 – Learning the difference between learning about leadership and learning leadership. 33:16 – A free resource: the Book Study Training method. 36:21 – How to use humility and a micro-story to drive personal transformation. 43:36 – Mac's personal transformation after years of teaching others. 51:10 – Blue Collar Leadership’s unique business strategy: we don't chase clients. 52:03 – How focusing on character rebuilt Mac’s relationship with his estranged son. 57:02 – The results: great leadership will happen in your company if you make it about the people. Resources: Join our Facebook Group for conversations that will help grow your business: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Dspnz4Qt5/ Blue Collar Leadership: https://bluecollarleadership.com/ Free Book Study Training: bluecollarleadership.com/bookstudytraining Free Course - The Five Types of Leaders: https://www.google.com/search?q=TheFiveTypesOfLeaders.com Lights Out Podcast: https://makingchips.com/show/lights-out/ Buy the Numbers Podcast: https://makingchips.com/show/buy-the-numbers/ /episode/index/show/bdb284d5-4711-4804-b82b-add408eeb3b2/id/38923810

Why Showing Up Still Matters in Manufacturing 10/22/2025

From Hands-On to High-Tech: The Real Future of Fabrication 10/08/2025

From Hands-On to High-Tech: The Real Future of Fabrication Most people think automation replaces welders. Graham Williams thinks it saves them. In this episode, recorded live at FABTECH, we sit down with Graham Williams of Vectis Automation to talk about how cobots are changing the game for small and mid-size shops — not by cutting people out, but by helping them do more, learn faster, and stay longer in the trade. From breaking the stigma around automation to using AI for smarter workflows, Graham shares how the best shops are blending tech and talent to create the next generation of fabricators. It’s not about robots replacing humans. It’s about giving humans better tools. In this episode, you’ll learn: How cobots help small and mid-size shops compete with less overhead The biggest misconceptions shop leaders have about automation How to get buy-in from your welders before bringing in robots Why AI should simplify your work — not overcomplicate it How automation can extend careers and attract new tradespeople What “crawl, walk, run” really looks like when adopting new tech Timestamps 1:12 – Matthew introduces Graham and the story behind Vectis Automation 3:40 – How cobots are helping small shops do more with the same crew 6:15 – Breaking the biggest myths about automation in fabrication 8:54 – Why automation isn’t just for high-volume production 12:07 – How AI fits into the future of welding and manufacturing 14:48 – Getting buy-in from seasoned welders on new tech 18:22 – How cobots can extend careers and attract young talent 22:50 – What the “crawl, walk, run” approach to automation looks like Resources: Join our Facebook Group for conversations that will help grow your business: 👉 Connect with Graham on LinkedIn: 🔗 linkedin.com/in/graham-williams-532174b8 Learn more about Vectis Automation: 🌐 Lights Out Podcast: 🎧 Buy the Numbers Podcast: 🎧 /episode/index/show/bdb284d5-4711-4804-b82b-add408eeb3b2/id/38496065

Culture Under Fire: Building Values That Survive Growth Jesse Kleiman Part 2 09/24/2025

Grow Fast or Go Broke: The Truth About Scaling a Fab Shop 09/10/2025

The Hanna Golf Story: Building with Grit, Craft, and American-Made Pride 08/27/2025

Trial by Fire: How Leadership Finds You on the Shop Floor 08/13/2025

Trial by Fire: How Leadership Finds You on the Shop Floor In this MakingSparks episode, Casey and Matthew talk with Keith — a leader whose career has been shaped by both running a fabrication shop and now serving as General Manager at Fabrication Solutions & Technologies (FST). Keith’s path started with welding in the blazing heat, learning from old-school fabricators, and grinding his way up to shop management. Today, he uses that first-hand production experience to help shops across oil & gas, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and more choose the right equipment, design smarter workflows, and maximize ROI. From process flow strategies to cross-training welders, machinists, and operators, Keith shares how shop-floor grit and people-first leadership create stronger teams, better client relationships, and more efficient real-world metal fabrication operations. Whether you’re running a press brake, programming a CNC plasma table, or managing a growing shop, this conversation is full of insights forged in the fire of real-world fabrication. 00:01:12 – Setting the stage and introducing today’s guest. 00:02:22 – Finding common ground through shared industry connections. 00:04:09 – Lessons learned from seasoned shop veterans. 00:05:12 – Insights from seeing manufacturing behind the scenes. 00:10:13 – Building a professional network that drives opportunities. 00:13:14 – Standing out at trade shows by creating meaningful conversations. 00:17:02 – Prioritizing long-term relationships over short-term sales. 00:19:42 – Addressing the challenge of finding skilled, motivated workers. 00:23:06 – How shop-floor experience strengthens leadership and sales roles. 00:37:35 – Encouraging industry connections and in-person engagement at events. Resources: Join our Facebook Group for conversations that will help grow your business: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Dspnz4Qt5/ Keith's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/keith-jentsch Lights Out Podcast: https://makingchips.com/show/lights-out/ Buy the Numbers Podcast: https://makingchips.com/show/buy-the-... /episode/index/show/bdb284d5-4711-4804-b82b-add408eeb3b2/id/37779615

Clueless CEO or Culture Genius? When Curiosity Beats Credentials 07/30/2025

Your Process Is Only as Good as Your People 07/16/2025

Your Process Is Only as Good as Your People What do you do when your fab shop isn’t broken—but you know it could be better? In this episode, Alfonso Aramburo joins us from Southern California to talk about the work he does turning around underperforming manufacturing companies. But his approach isn’t about flashy strategy or instant fixes—it’s about people, process, and product, in that order. Alfonso breaks down the three core problems most shops face, why culture is the engine that drives real improvement, and how small, consistent action wins out over big, clunky systems every time. This episode is for the shop owners trying to get out of fire-fighting mode, the leaders stuck in the weeds, and the folks who know their team could run smoother—but aren’t sure where to start. You'll learn: The three issues every struggling fab shop has in common Why communication—not tools—is the real problem How to build a process system without SOP overload Timestamps: 01:06 – Welcome to MakingSparks 03:10 – Alfonso’s background in lean manufacturing and turnaround leadership 06:15 – The only 3 problems shops ever really have 08:22 – Why leadership is usually the real people problem 13:00 – Building trust by creating safe space for growth 17:32 – How culture actually drives performance 21:01 – When to start building processes (and how to keep them simple) 26:13 – Using single-point lessons to document and sustain change 30:11 – The DMAIC framework and why most fixes fail from the start 34:52 – Aligning your team before adding a new product or service 39:00 – Why misalignment between departments tanks your product quality 45:11 – Final thoughts on capability, communication, and long-term growth Resources: Join our Facebook Group for conversations that will help grow your business: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Dspnz4Qt5/ Lights Out podcast by MakingChips: https://makingchips.com/show/lights-out/ By The Numbers with Mike Payne: https://makingchips.com/show/buy-the-numbers/ /episode/index/show/bdb284d5-4711-4804-b82b-add408eeb3b2/id/37419465

How to Grow a Small Fabrication Shop without Losing Control 07/02/2025

How to Build a Culture While the Last Generation Lets Go 06/18/2025

People Buy from People They Trust with Meaghan Ziemba 06/04/2025

After the Merger: Building a Shared Future in the Fab Shop | Part 2 05/21/2025

Preparing for a Merger: Hard Decisions to Preserve Legacy in the Fab Shop | Part 1 05/07/2025

How To Turn Influence into Metal Fabrication Sales 04/23/2025

The Quiet Cut That's Loudly Threatening Small Manufacturing 04/21/2025

How to Reach the Next Generation in Trades 04/09/2025

What Fuels the World's Largest Metal Fabrication Projects 03/26/2025

How to Fix Your Quoting Process Before it Kills Your Shop 03/12/2025

How to Fix Your Quoting Process Before it Kills Your Shop 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 it means for fabricators trying to scale. Episode Highlights: [00:00:47] Why Shops Hate ERP and Software Implementations – Jason explains why so many fabricators have PTSD from bad ERP rollouts and how to avoid the same mistakes. [00:05:55] The Real Goal of Quoting – It’s not just about winning jobs—it’s about quoting efficiently, pricing correctly, and protecting your margins. [00:12:08] How Paperless Parts is Changing the Game – Why their quoting software is built to integrate with your workflow, not replace your team. [00:23:06] The Reshoring Boom and What It Means for Fabricators – Trillions of dollars in work are coming back to the U.S.—but only the most prepared shops will benefit. [00:27:03] Triage Your Quotes or Get Buried – How leading shops are prioritizing the right jobs instead of wasting time on low-value RFQs. [00:30:10] AI in Manufacturing – The right and wrong ways to use AI in quoting, plus the security risks no one’s talking about. This episode is a must-listen for metal fabrication leaders looking to streamline their front office, improve quoting accuracy, and position their shop for growth. Resources: 🔧 Simplify your quoting process with Paperless Parts: 📈 Get expert guidance for growing your fab shop: /episode/index/show/bdb284d5-4711-4804-b82b-add408eeb3b2/id/35631500

Making Sparks Podcast for Fabrication Leaders

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