• 1 hour 9 minutes
    From Classroom to Career: The Talent Pipeline Manufacturing Needs, 524

    In manufacturing, everyone talks about the skills gap. Fewer people talk about the relationships, systems, and long-term commitment it takes to solve it. In this episode of MakingChips, we continue our GenCNC series by exploring a powerful partnership between Northridge High School and JD Machine, a collaboration that is creating a steady pipeline of young manufacturing talent and proving that workforce development doesn't happen by accident.

    Kurt Jensen has spent more than two decades teaching and inspiring students, but his machining program at Northridge High is unlike most. Built from scratch just six years ago, the program now serves nearly 100 students and gives them hands-on experience with machining, programming, inspection, and real-world manufacturing concepts. Through relentless recruiting, industry partnerships, and a passion for exposing students to the trades, Kurt has created a program that students actively seek out.

    On the industry side, Matt Wardle of JD Machine shares how workforce development has become one of the company's most important strategic systems. From registered apprenticeships and structured career pathways to internships and community involvement, JD Machine has spent decades investing in people rather than waiting for talent to appear. The result is a workforce pipeline stronger than ever in one of the most competitive hiring markets manufacturing has faced.

    Together, Kurt and Matt demonstrate what happens when educators and employers stop operating independently and start working toward a common goal. The conversation explores apprenticeship models, mentorship, recruiting strategies, soft skills development, and practical ways every shop can support local manufacturing education. Whether you're an educator, employer, parent, or industry advocate, this episode offers a blueprint for building the next generation of manufacturing talent.

    Segments
    • (0:00) Mike celebrates his son's graduation and entry into manufacturing
    • (1:43) Introducing Northridge High School and JD Machine's workforce partnership
    • (3:13) Matt Wardle's journey building JD Machine through apprenticeship programs
    • (5:40) Kurt Jensen's machining program and serving nearly 100 students
    • (7:13) Check out the Hennig Workflow (an automated pallet delivery system)
    • (8:04) Why Northridge's machining program continues to attract strong student demand
    • (10:53) The importance of exposing students to manufacturing career paths
    • (12:41) Building a machining program from scratch inside a public high school
    • (14:26) How JD Machine supports schools and develops long-term talent pipelines
    • (17:06) SkillsUSA competitions and strengthening industry-education partnerships
    • (19:04) Convincing school leaders to invest in manufacturing education
    • (21:06) How ProShop can help you achieve on-time delivery
    • (25:22) Curriculum design, machining pathways, and Titans of CNC integration
    • (28:03) How portfolio-based learning helps students land manufacturing jobs
    • (30:01) Announcing A to Z Magazine's 40 under 40 issue
    • (35:21) Why young people are rediscovering skilled trades and hands-on careers
    • (39:01) Inside JD Machine's apprenticeship model and workforce development system
    • (46:10) Teaching work ethic, accountability, and soft skills alongside machining
    • (55:05) Why today's younger workforce gives manufacturing reasons for optimism
    • (56:31) Why we created Hire MFG Leaders (and why you should use it)
    • (57:00) Practical ways employers can support local manufacturing programs
    • (1:00:05) Becoming a cheerleader for manufacturing careers and workforce development
    • (1:03:31) The growing challenge of finding future machining instructors
    • (1:06:10) Why consistent workforce investment pays off over the long term
    Resources mentioned on this episode Connect With MakingChips
    1 June 2026, 10:00 am
  • 1 hour 9 minutes
    SendCutSend and the Future of Manufacturing: Speed, Scale, and Specialization, 523

    Recorded live from the Toolpath Machining Summit at Mammoth Mountain, this episode of MakingChips explores what happens when software thinking collides with modern manufacturing. We sat down with SendCutSend founder Jim Belosic and CNC leader Phil Linscheid for a conversation about speed, automation, growth, and the changing realities of manufacturing in America.

    What started as frustration sourcing one-off sheet metal parts has evolved into one of the industry's most talked-about manufacturing companies. Today, SendCutSend is processing tens of thousands of orders every month across multiple facilities, all while challenging long-standing assumptions around quoting, inventory, lead times, staffing, and scalability. But underneath the growth is something even more interesting: a company culture built around adaptability, curiosity, and a willingness to rethink everything.

    Throughout the episode, we dig into how SendCutSend approaches manufacturing differently. Instead of trying to be everything to everyone, they've focused on simplifying processes, automating aggressively, and creating systems that remove friction for customers. Jim and Phil explain why many traditional machine shop habits no longer make sense at scale, and why the future may belong to manufacturers who are willing to specialize, collaborate, and move faster.

    We also explore what this shift means for the broader manufacturing industry. Are companies like SendCutSend replacing traditional shops, or creating opportunities for them to evolve into something more specialized and valuable? From hiring philosophies and leadership lessons to AI, automation, and "Home Depot for manufacturing," this conversation challenges the industry to think differently about where manufacturing is headed next.

    Segments
    • (0:00) Recording live from the Toolpath Machining Summit at Mammoth Mountain
    • (0:49) Why intentional industry events create deeper manufacturing conversations
    • (2:38) Introducing SendCutSend and the company's rapid growth trajectory
    • (4:01) The original problem that inspired the creation of SendCutSend
    • (5:28) Early mistakes, learning manufacturing from scratch, and adapting quickly
    • (10:15) Scaling to hundreds of employees, multiple facilities, and massive order volume
    • (12:25) Why SendCutSend focuses on creating talent instead of recruiting it
    • (14:07) Hiring for enthusiasm, grit, and culture fit over manufacturing experience
    • (16:41) Why we love SMW Autoblok for workholding products
    • (17:54) Can outsiders successfully buy and grow manufacturing companies?
    • (19:51) Why great machinists don't always become great managers
    • (23:13) Building career paths for both technical experts and people leaders
    • (24:47) How complementary leadership styles drive growth and innovation
    • (28:25) Get a free report of sales opportunities in your area from FacturMFG.com/chips
    • (29:30) Breaking down the SendCutSend workflow from upload to shipped part
    • (33:35) Simplifying manufacturing to improve speed, accessibility, and affordability
    • (35:40) Why customer experience became SendCutSend's biggest growth engine
    • (37:44) Inventory strategy, automation, and scheduling at scale
    • (41:52) Standardized tooling, machine utilization, and operational discipline
    • (48:51) Why culture is the foundation behind the company's success
    • (50:21) Check out the Hennig Workflow Automated Pallet delivery solution
    • (51:14) The vision for becoming a "Home Depot for manufacturing"
    • (53:30) How traditional machine shops can evolve alongside industry disruption
    • (58:24) Jim's advice for smaller shops? Say "no" more often - get a longer clip of this
    • (1:01:07)) Why AI and manufacturing disruption are impossible to ignore
    • (1:04:57) Leadership lessons on decision-making, pivots, and learning quickly
    • (1:07:30) Protecting culture while scaling at hyper-growth speed
    Resources mentioned on this episode Connect With MakingChips
    25 May 2026, 5:00 am
  • 41 minutes 19 seconds
    How Melissa Ramos Leveraged Social Media to Create a Manufacturing Movement, 522

    What happens when a young woman with zero machining experience gets handed the keys to two CNC mills and told, "Figure it out"? For Melissa Ramos, it became the start of a journey that's equal parts grit, creativity, community, and stubborn determination.

    In this episode of MakingChips, we sit down with the founder of M95 Machining to unpack how she went from crashing machines, crying in shop bathrooms, and being dismissed in trade school… to building a respected machining brand with a massive social media following and partnerships across the industry. Melissa shares the real story behind learning CNC machining from the ground up, the pressure of working alongside her father, and the moments that nearly made her quit.

    But this conversation goes far beyond tooling and G-code. It's about building a business while building confidence. Melissa opens up about the challenges of being a woman in manufacturing, the ugly side of internet criticism, and why storytelling and content creation have become just as important to her business as making parts. From balancing customer work and brand partnerships to literally moving into the shop to chase bigger goals, her story captures the modern reality of manufacturing entrepreneurship.

    The episode also dives into automation, mentorship, social media, family dynamics, and Melissa's vision for creating a safe learning space for women entering the trades. Whether you're a shop owner, aspiring machinist, parent, or someone trying to carve out a path in manufacturing, this conversation is packed with honesty, perspective, and a refreshing reminder that there's no single blueprint for success in this industry.

    If you've ever wondered what the next generation of manufacturing leadership looks like, this episode delivers a pretty compelling answer.

    Segments
    • (0:00) The MakingChips crew welcomes Melissa Ramos to MakingChips: GenCNC
    • (2:17) Melissa shares how her dad introduced her to CNC machining with two Haas mills
    • (4:33) Melissa discusses the challenges of being a woman entering manufacturing
    • (6:04) Melissa opens up about her negative trade school experience and being dismissed by an instructor
    • (8:29) How a group of classmates helped her learn programming despite lack of support
    • (10:01) Discovering Fusion 360 and teaching herself CAM programming
    • (11:56) Learn more about IMTS 2026 (and why you should join us)
    • (13:14) Building M95 through family connections, word of mouth, and social media
    • (15:52) Melissa discusses workload balance, shop growth, and finding ideal customers
    • (17:50) Balancing machining work with growing content partnerships and brand opportunities
    • (18:32) Why Melissa prefers prototype and quick-turn work over repetitive production
    • (19:30) Lessons learned from a difficult automation experience with a robot cell
    • (22:08) Melissa shares the story of meeting her boyfriend through tooling recommendations
    • (22:55) Paperless Parts uses secure AI to take busy work off your estimators
    • (24:07) The influence of Melissa's father and the family dynamic behind the business
    • (26:24) Why Melissa's dad originally brought machining in-house
    • (29:53) How social media unexpectedly transformed into a business opportunity
    • (32:53) Why you should listen to the Lights Out Podcast
    • (33:20) Melissa explains why she's moving into the shop to focus fully on growth
    • (37:07) Melissa reveals her vision for a women-focused manufacturing meetup and mentorship space
    • (38:42) Advice for young people entering manufacturing and entrepreneurship
    • (39:43) Where to connect with Melissa Ramos and M95 Machining online
    Resources mentioned on this episode Connect With MakingChips
    18 May 2026, 10:00 am
  • 52 minutes 21 seconds
    Printing the Future: How One Shop Is Winning with Additive + Machining, 521

    What if the future of your machine shop isn't just faster spindles or more automation—but an entirely different way of making parts?

    In this episode of MakingChips: Generation CNC, we sit down with David Bamforth of Renscott Manufacturing, a young entrepreneur who's not just building a shop—he's redefining what one can be. By combining CNC machining with metal additive manufacturing, David has positioned his company at the intersection of two worlds, creating a powerful competitive edge in aerospace, defense, and spaceflight.

    But this didn't start with a master plan. Like many entrepreneurs, David began with curiosity, a willingness to take risks, and a mindset of figuring things out as he went. Over time, that evolved into something much more intentional: a clear strategy to move beyond being "just another job shop" and instead own the full lifecycle of complex parts—from printed blank to finished, mission-critical component.

    What makes this approach so compelling is the problem it solves. Many companies can print parts. Many shops can machine them. But very few can do both well. Even fewer understand how to bridge the gap between the two. That's where Renscott has carved out its niche, simplifying supply chains, improving reliability, and creating real value for customers operating at the cutting edge.

    If you've been thinking about how to differentiate your shop—or where the industry is heading next—this episode offers a clear look at why additive manufacturing isn't just a trend. For shops willing to embrace it, it's a strategic advantage.

    Segments
    • (0:00) Light banter, missing co-host, and intro to the Gen CNC series
    • (1:32) Meet David Bamforth: From automotive work to aerospace, spaceflight, and defense
    • (4:46) Early curiosity: how tinkering and "How It's Made" shaped his path
    • (6:04) Engineering school, co-ops, and exposure to large-scale manufacturing
    • (8:32) Buying the first Haas machine and launching the business with no roadmap
    • (9:49) Why we love Paperless Parts for your quoting workflow
    • (11:01) The "build it and they will come" philosophy—and learning the hard way
    • (13:55) Self-funding the business, family support, and building a leadership team
    • (16:49) The cool part of the Co-op that David participated in
    • (18:59) What formal manufacturing education did (and didn't) teach
    • (21:36) How additive manufacturing became a strategic differentiator
    • (27:13) Why we love SMW Autoblok for workholding
    • (27:56) The long-term vision: becoming additive-first with machining support
    • (30:22) Real-world applications like internal cooling channels and complex geometries
    • (32:34) Building the additive business like a startup within the company
    • (34:25) Comparing labor, cost, and efficiency: additive vs. subtractive
    • (38:15) Automation strategy across five-axis machining and robotics
    • (40:02) Running an advanced shop as a young entrepreneur
    • (41:23) Hiring ahead of growth and building a 5-year plan
    • (42:41) Why you need to check out the Hennig WorkFlow
    • (43:35) Overcoming (or avoiding) the "young founder" credibility challenge
    • (46:01) Branding, culture, and connecting with modern manufacturing customers
    • (49:03) Advice for young entrepreneurs: experience, cash, and patience
    • (51:44) The importance of networking and building industry relationships
    Resources mentioned on this episode Connect With MakingChips
    11 May 2026, 10:00 am
  • 1 hour 4 minutes
    Supply Chain Reality Check: Risk, Resilience, and What's Next, 520

    What happens when global policy decisions collide with the realities of the shop floor?

    In this episode of MakingChips, the team sits down with Brennan Grignon, founder and CEO of Vantive, to unpack the hidden complexity behind supply chains that power everything from defense systems to everyday manufacturing.

    With experience advising at the highest levels of government, Brennan brings a rare perspective on how geopolitical decisions ripple all the way down to machine shops across the country.

    At the heart of the conversation is a hard truth: supply chains are not as flexible as policymakers often assume. Moving production isn't like flipping a switch—it's a tangled web of materials, processes, certifications, and human expertise that can take years, not days, to shift. And yet, those decisions are being made every day, often without a full understanding of the downstream consequences.

    The discussion dives deep into the structural challenges facing the defense industrial base, especially for small and mid-sized machine shops. From cash flow constraints and unfavorable payment terms to the rising cost of compliance like CMMC, many shops are being asked to shoulder burdens that simply don't make financial sense. The result? A system full of opportunity, but also friction, risk, and misaligned incentives.

    Despite the challenges, there's also a sense of possibility. With advancements in digitalization, predictive modeling, and better visibility into supply chains, there's a path forward. But it will require collaboration, smarter policy, and a willingness to rethink how the entire ecosystem works, from government to primes to the shop floor.

    Segments
    • (0:00) Setting the tone for the episode with Brennan's "dad joke"
    • (1:31) Introduction to Brennan, Vantive, and her mission to solve supply chain disruption
    • (3:58) Brennan's background advising the Department of Defense on supply chain resilience
    • (9:38) Lessons from leading supply chain efforts during COVID response
    • (10:55) Real-world example of how geopolitical decisions impact machine shops
    • (15:22) The myth of "just moving production" and why it's far more complex
    • (17:24) The emerging requirements of CMMC certification and the effect on the DIB
    • (18:31) You need to come join us at IMTS 2026, September 14th-19th!
    • (19:27) The missing piece in procurement: why supply chain risk isn't formally measured
    • (22:10) Why small shops struggle to participate in the defense industrial base
    • (25:13) The broken incentive structure between government, primes, and suppliers
    • (32:10) Cash flow challenges and unfavorable payment terms for small manufacturers
    • (37:21) Workforce instability and the impact of inconsistent demand cycles
    • (38:40) Check out the Hennig WorkFlow: a 40-pallet automation system
    • (39:31) Risks tied to critical materials and global dependency challenges
    • (45:30) The looming impact of CMMC compliance on the majority of machine shops
    • (48:50) Practical call to action: be specific, propose solutions, and leverage trade organizations
    • (57:47) Can local MEPs help fund a small shop's CMMC certifications?
    • (59:51) Get a free report of sales opportunities in your area at FacturMFG.com/chips
    • (1:00:55) How Vantive is turning supply chain uncertainty into actionable data
    Resources mentioned on this episode Connect With MakingChips
    4 May 2026, 10:00 am
  • 53 minutes 6 seconds
    From Accidental Machinist to Automation Advocate: Why the Future Belongs to the Bold, 519

    Sometimes the path into manufacturing isn't a straight line but more like a ricochet. That's exactly how Mark Christopher's journey began. From nearly flunking out of college to becoming a key voice at DN Solutions, Mark's story is a testament to what happens when curiosity meets opportunity. What started as a fallback plan quickly evolved into a 30-year career built on solving problems, challenging assumptions, and helping shops unlock their full potential.

    In this episode of MakingChips, we sit down with Mark to explore not just where he's been—but what he's seen. And when you've walked into shops from small mom-and-pop operations to aerospace giants, you start to notice patterns. One of the biggest? The shops that win aren't just buying machines—they're buying capability, flexibility, and time.

    The conversation quickly shifts into one of the most important topics in modern manufacturing: automation. Not the buzzword version, but the real, boots-on-the-ground reality. The kind that helps shops run lights out, say "yes" to jobs they used to turn down, and turn spindle time into a competitive weapon. Mark breaks down how shops can justify the leap, avoid costly mistakes, and think differently about ROI.

    But this isn't just about machines—it's about people. The episode highlights a powerful theme: untapped potential. Whether it's underutilized equipment or team members ready to level up, the opportunity is everywhere. The challenge is having the vision—and sometimes the courage—to act on it.

    If you've ever wondered whether automation is worth it, when to make the leap, or how to build a shop that's ready for what's next… this episode delivers. Because at the end of the day, if your machines—and your people—aren't being fully utilized, you're leaving opportunity on the table.

    Segments
    • (0:00) How machinists unknowingly shaped your childhood
    • (1:23) Mark's story: From "voluntold" career moves to finding passion in manufacturing
    • (7:41) Transition into the machine tool world and exposure to shops across North America
    • (10:06) Head to the DN Solutions Manufacturing Without Limits event
    • (11:09) Industry outlook: strong demand, workforce challenges, and the rise of automation
    • (13:08) Why shops hesitate on automation—and how to properly evaluate ROI
    • (18:36) Real-world example of using automation to unlock high-margin, expedited work
    • (21:33) Why we love the quality of SMW Autoblok workholding
    • (22:20) Rethinking the traditional path: starting with advanced machines and automation
    • (25:20) Case study: how 5-axis and automation dramatically increase capability
    • (30:11) Paperless Parts: Scaling challenges and the importance of systems over brute force execution
    • (37:30) Common mistakes when investing in automation and how to avoid them
    • (40:20) Understanding true utilization and maximizing machine uptime
    • (42:03) Automation as a tool to upskill and empower employees—not replace them
    • (47:30) Check out the Hennig WorkFlow automation system so your shop never stops
    • (48:20) Growing trend toward automation-ready machines and modular shop growth
    Resources mentioned on this episode Connect With MakingChips
    27 April 2026, 10:00 am
  • 50 minutes 7 seconds
    Building the Next Generation of Machinists: Inside a 100-Year-Old Talent Pipeline, 518

    Finding skilled talent isn't the problem anymore, it's developing it. And in manufacturing, the shops that win aren't just the ones with the best machines, they're the ones connected to the right pipeline.

    In this episode, we sit down with Gary Nadeau of Westfield Technical Academy, a program that has been quietly producing highly capable machinists for decades. With a structure that blends classroom learning, hands-on shop experience, and real-world co-op placements, Gary and his team have built something most regions are still trying to figure out: a reliable bridge between education and industry.

    But even a program like this isn't immune to change. Gary shares how shifts in culture, attention spans, and mechanical exposure are forcing educators to rethink how they teach and engage students. From breaking projects into smaller wins to leveraging tools like 3D printing, the approach to developing talent is evolving in real time.

    This conversation isn't just about one school. It's about what's possible when manufacturers and educators actually work together and what's at risk if they don't. If you're struggling to find talent, this episode might challenge you to rethink where you're looking and how involved you need to be in building the pipeline.

    Segments
    • (0:00) Why education is a critical piece of the next generation of CNC leaders
    • (2:06) Introduction to Gary Nadeau and Westfield Technical Academy's legacy
    • (3:06) Overview of the school and how the machining program works
    • (9:01) Gary's personal journey into machining and teaching
    • (12:26) Join Nick at the DN Solutions Manufacturing Without Limits Event
    • (13:30) The challenge of attracting students to manufacturing programs today
    • (16:28) Using 3D printing and creativity to spark student interest
    • (17:30) Competing programs and how students choose career paths
    • (19:15) Why students often grow to love manufacturing once exposed to it
    • (22:16) Breaking curriculum into smaller wins to keep students engaged
    • (26:06) SMW Autoblok offers world-class workholding products
    • (27:20) How machine shops can get involved and support local programs
    • (32:30) Curriculum alignment with real-world shop needs
    • (33:57) The impact of losing instructors and funding challenges
    • (36:21) Frustrations with education priorities and funding decisions
    • (40:31) Paperless Parts: The Speed of AI without the risk
    • (41:45) The most rewarding part: seeing students succeed in their careers
    • (43:26) Stories of graduates thriving in manufacturing and life
    • (46:15) A call to action for shops to engage with schools and build the pipeline
    Resources mentioned on this episode Connect With MakingChips
    20 April 2026, 10:00 am
  • 46 minutes 26 seconds
    From Lego Bricks to Aerospace Dreams: How a 21-Year-Old Is Building a Machine Shop From Scratch, 517

    What does the next generation of manufacturing ownership really look like? In this episode of MakingChips, we sit down with Mason Nicholas, a 21-year-old shop owner who's building his business one machine, one customer, and one sleepless night at a time. His journey didn't start with a formal apprenticeship or engineering degree. It started with motorcycles, model cars, a 3D printer, and a curiosity about how things are made.

    Mason walks through the unconventional path that led him into machining, from teaching himself CAD during COVID to interning in multiple shops while still in high school. Along the way, he learned programming, fixturing, production workflows, and the realities of shop life. That hands-on exposure eventually turned into entrepreneurial ambition, and before long he was running parts at night on a CNC knee mill, chasing work, and learning the business the hard way.

    The conversation dives deep into the realities of starting a shop young. Mason shares how he bootstrapped his first Haas, balanced customer work with learning, and navigated common early mistakes like chasing low-margin work and trying to be everything to everyone. The hosts also unpack the importance of niching down, building cash reserves, and choosing a long-term strategy instead of chasing short-term revenue.

    Looking ahead, Mason outlines his vision for building a specialized aerospace and defense shop, investing in five-axis capability, and eventually creating a talent pipeline to bring new people into manufacturing. It's an honest conversation about ambition, discipline, and what it takes to turn passion into a sustainable manufacturing business.

    Segments
    • (0:00) Mason Nicholas and his unconventional path into manufacturing
    • (3:54) Learning machining through high school programs and internships
    • (6:52) Running parts at night, landing his first customers, and early job costing mistakes
    • (9:57) Buying his first Haas and officially launching the business
    • (11:33) Leaving his job and committing to entrepreneurship
    • (14:45) Check out the Hennig WorkFlow Automated Pallet Delivery System
    • (15:35) What his one-man shop looks like today
    • (19:19) First IMTS experience and seeing the industry's scale
    • (20:34) Head to the DN Solutions Manufacturing Without Limits event
    • (21:33) Bootstrapping growth and reinvesting into tooling and equipment
    • (23:14) Deciding when to buy the next machine
    • (25:09) Paperless Parts is built for shops preparing for CMMC Level II
    • (26:58) One-man shop realities and five-year growth vision
    • (29:10) Creating a future talent pipeline and second shop concept
    • (31:31) Technology, certifications, and preparing for aerospace work
    • (33:16) Lights-out machining and maximizing spindle uptime
    • (36:44) Cash flow discipline and managing capital-intensive growth
    • (42:49) Advice for new shop owners on niching down
    Resources mentioned on this episode Connect With MakingChips
    13 April 2026, 10:00 am
  • 51 minutes 39 seconds
    Turn It Up to 11: From YouTube Learning to Aerospace Growth with Nick Preece, 516

    What happens when a college engineering student buys a CNC machine just to experiment… and accidentally builds an aerospace machine shop? That's exactly what Nick Preece did. What started as a curiosity fueled by YouTube videos and garage tinkering quickly evolved into Preece Machining & Assembly, a fast-growing shop focused on complex, high-mix aerospace work.

    In this Gen CNC episode, Nick shares how he bootstrapped the business from a used mill and a $1,200/month goal into a 10+ machine operation. Alongside his brother Tanner, the two built a company rooted in technical problem-solving, disciplined growth, and a willingness to learn everything the hard way, from customer concentration risk to hiring challenges.

    The conversation dives into how young shops can compete with larger manufacturers by focusing on complex work, building strong customer relationships, and creating positive sales pressure. Nick also explains how painful lessons around diversification forced them to rethink outreach, refine their quoting strategy, and become more intentional about the work they pursue.

    Nick also discusses scaling a team, investing in five-axis capability, and even bringing on strategic partners to accelerate growth. With a vision of building a full "PMA campus" and a culture built on kindness and urgency, Nick offers a real-world look at what it takes for the next generation of manufacturing leaders to grow fast without losing focus.

    His advice for anyone starting a shop? Don't just compete, turn it up to 11 and deliver something exceptional every single time.

    Segments
    • (0:00) Introduction and welcome to Gen CNC featuring Nick Preece
    • (2:24) Preece Machining & Assembly overview and aerospace focus
    • (4:22) Origin story: learning machining on YouTube and starting in a garage
    • (7:40) Working with family and division of responsibilities with Tanner
    • (12:39) Bootstrapping the first machine to multiple machines and five-axis investments
    • (15:00) Head to DN Solutions Manufacturing Without Limits event
    • (15:59) How they make decisions on capital equipment
    • (17:47) Sales and marketing strategy, customer concentration, and diversification
    • (20:15) Building a sales process and generating positive sales pressure
    • (21:34) First in, First Order: What is your ideal part profile?
    • (27:7) Pricing pressure, margins, and competing during slow periods
    • (30:54) Hiring strategy, workforce challenges, and recruiting experienced talent
    • (33:55) Shop culture: kindness, urgency, and high performance
    • (36:33) Why we love SMW Autoblok for workholding
    • (38:48) Long-term vision and building a "PMA campus"
    • (42:39) Five-axis strategy and thoughts on automation
    • (45:10) Why you need to come see us at IMTS 2026
    • (46:04) Bringing on investment partners and scaling the business
    • (49:24) Nick's advice to young founders: "turn it up to 11"
    Resources mentioned on this episode Connect With MakingChips
    6 April 2026, 10:00 am
  • 49 minutes 56 seconds
    From Model Trains to Machining: How a 26-Year-Old Founder Turned Passion Into Precision, 515

    What happens when a childhood obsession with trains turns into a manufacturing business? In this episode of MakingChips Generation CNC, we sit down with Chris Huffman, a young shop owner who launched Huffman Machining Solutions at just 21 years old. Now 26, Chris is building his business one machine, one customer, and one calculated risk at a time.

    Chris didn't grow up in a machining family, and he didn't follow the traditional path into manufacturing. Instead, his curiosity started with steam locomotives and model trains. That fascination led him to learn how parts were made, which eventually pulled him into machining. Along the way, he realized he didn't just love trains. He loved the process of turning raw material into precision components.

    That passion evolved into opportunity. Requests for custom parts began to pile up, and Chris saw a path forward. With minimal overhead, a steady job at a community college, and a willingness to take calculated risks, he bought his first machine, found a small space, and started building his shop from the ground up.

    In this conversation, Chris shares the realities of starting young. He talks through financing equipment, navigating insurance challenges, buying used machines, and learning business skills on the fly. He also opens up about the mental side of entrepreneurship, including the pressure of hiring a first employee and the responsibility that comes with building something bigger than yourself.

    This episode is a great look at what the next generation of manufacturing founders actually looks like. It's not about overnight success. It's about passion, persistence, and slowly laying the track to build a sustainable machine shop.

    Segments
    • (0:00) Introduction to Chris Huffman and the Generation CNC young founder series
    • (1:06) Starting a machine shop at 21 and the story behind Huffman Machining Solutions
    • (4:30) From model trains to machining and discovering a passion for manufacturing
    • (9:18) Why you need to come see us at IMTS 2026!
    • (11:00) Desire to work on historic locomotives and falling in love with machining itself
    • (14:10) Demand for parts lead to launching the business in 2022
    • (16:16) Transitioning from teaching machining to running a shop full-time
    • (19:30) Financing the first machine and lessons learned about tooling costs
    • (22:02) Buying a used Mazak and costly surprises after purchase
    • (25:54) Adding additional machines and building capability as a one-man shop
    • (28:43) Paperless Parts: CMMC compliant and secure option for estimating and quoting
    • (29:55) The "#ThankAMachinist" mindset and educating others about manufacturing
    • (33:20) Hiring plans, apprenticeships, and outgrowing the current space
    • (37:13) The fear and responsibility of hiring the first employee
    • (38:40) Why we created Hire MFG Leaders (and why you should use it)
    • (39:08) Learning the business side: scheduling, marketing, and sales
    • (41:39) Long-term goals including ISO certification and ERP implementation
    • (43:15) Letting go of machining work to grow the business
    • (45:21) Opportunity to acquire retiring shop owners' businesses
    • (46:50) Hosts' reflections on passion-driven paths into manufacturing
    Resources mentioned on this episode
    • IMTS 2026: https://www.imts.com/
    • Paperless Parts: https://www.paperlessparts.com/
    • Coffey Machining Group: https://coffeymg.com/
    • The E-Myth Revisited: https://www.amazon.com/Myth-Revisited-Small-Businesses-About/dp/0887307280
    • Huffman Machining Solutions: https://huffmanmachining.com/
    • Connect with Chris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-huffman-93b69423b/
    • [email protected]
    30 March 2026, 10:00 am
  • 1 hour 4 minutes
    From Engineering Lab to 5-Axis Shop: How Two Founders Under 30 Built Three Rivers Precision, 514

    They started a machine shop before turning 30… and doubled their projections in year one.

    In this episode of MakingChips Generation CNC, we sit down with Sean and Sinjon of Three Rivers Precision to hear how two mechanical engineers turned hands-on curiosity into a high-end machining business focused on five-axis work, titanium, and complex parts. What began in a university machine shop quickly evolved into five years of learning inside a young manufacturing company, where they gained experience across programming, estimating, project management, and customer communication.

    When that company shifted direction, they made the leap. They mapped out their financial runway, secured startup funding, built out an empty facility, and launched with a clear strategy: focus on difficult materials, deliver fast, and build relationships by exceeding expectations. The result? A fully booked shop, automation plans, and growth without rushing to hire.

    Sean and Sinjon also share how they structured a 50/50 partnership, why they're prioritizing lights-out machining over headcount, their philosophy on paying skilled machinists well, and the mindset that helped them go all-in and build a modern machine shop from day one.

    From funding and partnerships to five-axis strategy and customer acquisition, this episode offers a candid look at how the next generation of manufacturing leaders is building modern machine shops from day one.

    Segments
    • (0:00) Introduction to Sean and Sinjon from Three Rivers Precision and their growth journey
    • (2:21) Meeting at the University of Pittsburgh and early exposure to machining
    • (9:04) Why Sean and Sinjon decided to launch Three Rivers Precision
    • (15:15) Paperless Parts and secure AI-powered quoting for manufacturers
    • (16:27) The emotional and financial risk of leaving secure jobs
    • (17:53) Working with the Small Business Development Center
    • (19:14) SMW Autoblok and the seven habits of highly effective workholding
    • (21:04) Turning an empty shell into a working shop and their early sales strategy
    • (24:02) Why they chose a higher-end machine strategy from the beginning
    • (26:20) Why one-op or two-op efficiency matters more than "fancy" five-axis parts
    • (27:30) Why they intentionally pursued harder materials
    • (32:04) Paperless Parts: How to take the complexity out of running your business
    • (39:53 ) How they're finding work and thinking about future growth
    • (43:11) Their decision to pursue AS9100 early
    • (44:43) What it's like to co-own a 50/50 business
    • (47:04) Building a business around quality of life and flexibility
    • (49:12) Factur and building a more consistent pipeline
    • (53:52) How they're tracking against their original business plan
    • (57:15) What was critical to their successful first year?
    • (1:01:19) Final advice for young founders
    • (1:03:05) Where to find Three Rivers Precision
    Resources mentioned on this episode Connect With MakingChips
    23 March 2026, 10:00 am
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