Episodios

  • 79. The BTM Blueprint: Collaboration, Culture, and Growth

    79. The BTM Blueprint: Collaboration, Culture, and Growth
    May 21 2025
    In this episode of Machine Shop Mastery, I sit down with Kyra Tillman, third-generation owner of BTM Industries. When Kyra returned to the family shop, she inherited more than just machines—she inherited decades of “this is how we’ve always done it.” What she’s done since is nothing short of a transformation. With grit, grace, and a serious knack for finding and using resources, Kyra has turned a quiet, closed-door machine shop into a vibrant, collaborative, culture-driven powerhouse—one where growth and fun coexist, Nerf guns included. We dig deep into how she transitioned the shop from old-school processes and undocumented tribal knowledge into a modern, ISO-certified job shop with an eye toward continued growth. Kyra shares candidly about the challenges of taking over from her father, navigating culture change, building an apprenticeship program, and leveraging MEP grants and peer groups to grow her business and team. This conversation is a roadmap for any shop owner who's been putting off change, underestimating the power of collaboration, or unsure where to start when it comes to scaling smarter—not just bigger. Kyra’s journey proves that transformation doesn’t require perfection—it requires community, commitment, and a willingness to be both humble and hungry. Whether you're a next-gen leader or seasoned veteran, this episode is full of the kind of real talk and actionable advice that'll get you thinking differently. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... (0:00) Goofballs with grit: The culture inside BTM Industries(0:31) Stay tuned for registration information about Top Shops 2025(1:31) Introducing Kyra Tillman: Queen of resources and collaboration(3:46) Shop snapshot: BTM’s low-volume, high-variety machining work(5:30) The origin story: From grandfather’s founding to Kyra’s return(9:12) Doubling revenue with the same headcount(11:28) Email campaigns and grant-funded lead gen(15:21) Collaborating with MEPs and why you should too(18:00) The power of industry groups like NTMA and peer networks(28:23) Culture change: From isolation to cross-training and teamwork(30:18) Grow your top and bottom-line with CLA(32:55) The family buyout and post-transition challenges(36:30) ERP systems, ISO certification, and lessons from poor fits(40:00) Hiring for character, training for skill(43:36) Tracking metrics and fostering team transparency(45:41) Getting comfortable with growth and being the face of the business(47:05) Culture wins: T-shirt design contests, Nerf wars, and tacos(49:48) Strategic decisions: Standardizing machines and tools(52:23) Advice for successors and new shop owners: Find your support system(53:52) Kyra’s opinion on the trajectory of manufacturing(56:14) Why you need to listen to the Lights Out podcast Resources & People Mentioned Stay tuned for registration information about Top Shops 2025NTMA10,000 Small BusinessesVistageGrow your top and bottom-line with CLAManufacturing Pathways Consortium Connect with Kyra Tillman Connect on LinkedInBTM Industries Connect With Machine Shop Mastery The websiteLinkedInYouTubeInstagram Subscribe to Machine Shop Mastery on Apple, Spotify Audio Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK
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    57 m
  • 78. The Power of Being Mission Driven - Court Durkalski of Truline Industries

    78. The Power of Being Mission Driven - Court Durkalski of Truline Industries
    May 7 2025
    Most shop owners I talk to are focused on the usual things: keeping the machines humming, staying profitable, maybe planning for growth or succession. But what if the real unlock for your shop wasn’t more tech or tighter margins—but a completely different way of thinking about why your business exists in the first place? That’s what today’s episode is about. I sat down with Court Durkalski, CEO of Truline Industries, and honestly, this conversation hit me harder than most. Court runs a $23 million aerospace machining company with 120 employees—and they give away 10% of their gross sales to global charitable causes. Not profits—sales. That level of generosity is unheard of in manufacturing, and yet their quality metrics, delivery performance, and bottom line are world-class. The kicker? That whole culture came from a very personal place, and a journey that includes addiction, near financial collapse, and walking away from a path to ministry. I wanted to understand how a shop like Truline stays so focused, so precise, and so mission-aligned. And what I found is that none of it is accidental. From hiring practices to equipment decisions to the way they manage customer relationships, everything at Truline is built around this core belief that doing great work and doing good in the world aren’t at odds—they’re actually the same thing. If you’re someone who’s always thought values should stay separate from business—or maybe you’ve just never thought about your shop as a force for something bigger—I think this episode will leave you thinking differently. It sure did for me. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... (0:53) Grow your top and bottom line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA)(2:09) The moment I got choked up—and why Court's mission moved me(4:12) How Truline evolved from a tax write-off to an aerospace shop(12:10) Court’s addiction and the personal crash that nearly ended it all(15:26) Leaving the shop behind for Bible college—and the shock that came next(17:23) The conference that changed Court’s future and pulled him back to the business(19:20) Early steps toward CNC adoption and finding a niche in jet fuel pump parts(23:35) The tight tolerances, leaded bronze, and engineering details behind Truline’s work(28:19) Ego, submission, and a defining leadership shift between father and son(34:05) What it means to run a “God-owned” company—and the cultural transformation it sparked(37:01) The 2008 recession, credit line debt, and the bold financial leap toward giving(48:42) The ROI of generosity: culture, retention, and $40M+ given away(50:39) How Truline earns customer trust—even when mission gets in the way of margins(57:04) The two things that are intrinsically tied to delivering excellence (1:02:22) Why you need to listen to Making Sparks Resources & People Mentioned Fellowship of Companies for Christ International Connect with Court Durkalski Truline IndustriesConnect with Court on LinkedIn Connect With Machine Shop Mastery The websiteLinkedInYouTubeInstagram Subscribe to Machine Shop Mastery on Apple, Spotify Audio Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK
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    1 h y 3 m
  • 77. Strategy & Execution Wins Customers - Matt Gawlik of 3D Graphite

    77. Strategy & Execution Wins Customers - Matt Gawlik of 3D Graphite
    Apr 23 2025
    What happens when a serial entrepreneur with seven businesses under his belt decides to go all-in on graphite machining—and does it with some of the fastest, most precise equipment on the planet? You get Matt Gawlik, and in this episode of Machine Shop Mastery, he brings the heat. Host Paul Van Metre sits down with Matt to unpack a no-BS journey through business wins, failures, and the strategies that separate thriving shops from the ones barely hanging on. From his early roots in a multi-generational manufacturing family to building 3D Graphite into a tightly focused, high-performing operation, Matt shares hard-won lessons about the value of specialization, the power of investing in elite equipment, and why systems—not micromanagement—should run your shop. His take on partnerships is equally honest: most are a sinking ship unless you go in with rock-solid agreements and aligned values. But the real anchor of this episode is Matt’s perspective on sales. “Sales is the tip of the spear,” he says—and without a full pipeline, your business ends up serving the wrong customers and losing money in the process. He lays out how smart, honest marketing and brand clarity can unlock better-fit clients, smoother operations, and a more profitable shop. If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to level up your manufacturing business, this episode delivers straight talk, sharp insight, and more than a few mic-drop moments. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... (0:09) Unlock hidden revenue: How CLA helps manufacturers grow profitably(1:24) Meet Matt Gawlik: Serial entrepreneur, niche expert, and straight shooter(3:46) From family business to seven ventures: Matt’s hard-won startup lessons(6:19) The truth about partnerships—and why most are doomed from the start(9:45) Why high-end equipment like Röders gave Matt a serious edge(17:33) How smart setups + elite machines = unbeatable profitability(21:52) The fast track to innovation: YouTube, tool reps, and expert help(23:24) Benchmark your shop: Why the Top Shop Survey is a no-brainer(25:18) Culture that performs: Grit, self-awareness, and emotional maturity(29:24) Sales is survival: Why most shops are stuck—and how to break free(34:19) Don’t do it all: Why niche focus is your most powerful strategy(37:32) Matt’s playbook for marketing a machine shop the smart way(43:26) Final takeaways: Systems, people, and the power of staying focused(46:54) Why you need to check out the MakingSparks podcast Resources & People Mentioned Learn how to grow your top and bottom-line with CLAKnow how your shop stacks up by taking the Top Shop SurveyAngela Duckworth’s Grit ScaleThe Enneagram TypesThe Sales BibleObviously AwesomeStart with Why Connect with Matt Gawlik Connect on LinkedIn3D Graphite and Machining Connect With Machine Shop Mastery The websiteLinkedInYouTubeInstagram Subscribe to Machine Shop Mastery on Apple, Spotify Audio Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK
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    47 m
  • The Quiet Cut That's Loudly Threatening Small Manufacturing

    The Quiet Cut That's Loudly Threatening Small Manufacturing
    Apr 19 2025

    Most small manufacturers don’t realize they’re being quietly supported by one of the most impactful public-private partnerships in the country. The Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) has long been the hidden backbone behind training programs, grant facilitation, process improvements, and critical tech upgrades for shops across the U.S. But recent Federal decisions to defund these programs—without clear communication or reasoning—have sparked confusion and alarm among industry insiders.

    In this episode, a passionate roundtable of manufacturers and advocates reveals just how deeply the MEPs have shaped their businesses, supported workforce development, and opened doors to opportunity they couldn’t have accessed alone. From AR-integrated quoting tools to automation investment guidance, these stories show a clear economic impact that extends far beyond individual shops—right into the health of local communities and the national manufacturing strategy.

    If you're just hearing about MEPs now, you're not alone—but you are at risk. This conversation lays out what’s at stake, why it matters, and what you can do right now to help save a resource that quietly powers tens of thousands of manufacturers nationwide.

    YouTube: https://youtu.be/WNjevmTNUu4

    VideoAsk: https://www.videoask.com/fiyvfkcdd
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    35 m
  • 76. Inside Secrets of a 200+ Machine Shop

    76. Inside Secrets of a 200+ Machine Shop
    Apr 9 2025

    When I first heard about Screwmatics—a shop with over 200 machines, 110 employees, and 16 buildings—I knew I had to talk to the guy behind it. In this episode, I sit down with Billy Hogge, the second-generation leader of Screwmatics out of Pageland, South Carolina. His story is incredible. His parents started the company 37 years ago with just two screw machines, and today it’s grown into one of the largest and most efficient high-volume machining operations I’ve ever seen.

    We talk about how Billy and his team have scaled so effectively by staying relentlessly sales-driven—even when they’re at capacity—and by reinvesting in automation, Swiss and CNC machines, and lights-out manufacturing. One of the wildest things he shares? Their top six customers today weren’t even customers five years ago. That’s how aggressive and strategic their growth has been.

    We also dive deep into workforce development. Billy’s all-in on building the next generation of machinists, partnering with local schools, serving on state workforce boards, and even helping shape tech school curriculums. He shares some great tips for how to find and keep good people—and how to help them grow within your team.

    Whether you’re running a small job shop or a larger operation, there’s something here for everyone. Billy offers so much wisdom on machine strategy, culture, sales, and what it really takes to grow and modernize a shop in today’s market. This one’s packed with insights, and I’m confident you’ll walk away inspired—and probably scribbling down a few action items.

    You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
    • (0:22) Why you need to complete the Modern Machine Shop Top Shops Survey
    • (1:50) Overview of Screwmatics’ size, history, and impressive 16-building campus
    • (7:41) How they run lights-out automation and fully automated second shifts
    • (9:13) Learn more about Screwmatic’s global client base
    • (13:07) Billy’s personal journey into the business and rise to vice president
    • (16:09) Achieving growth without a designated sales team
    • (20:42) The secret sauce in Screwmatic’s process
    • (25:45) Operating in a high-volume environment
    • (28:20) Why Billy is always filling the pipeline with opportunities
    • (35:54) Strategic machine investments using Section 179 with strong ROI focus
    • (37:24) Partnering with schools and shaping curriculum for workforce development
    • (45:17) Their culture of individual growth, flexible pay, and long-term employee success
    • (48:09) Using ChatGPT to train operators on G-code and boost self-learning
    • (50:00) The automation implementation process at Screwmatics
    • (1:03:20) Why you need to listen to the Lights Out podcast
    Resources & People Mentioned
    • Complete the Modern Machine Shop Top Shops Survey
    Connect with Billy Hogge
    • Screwmatics
    • Connect on LinkedIn
    • Billy.Hogge@Screwmatics.com
    Connect With Machine Shop Mastery
    • The website
    • LinkedIn
    • YouTube
    • Instagram

    Subscribe to Machine Shop Mastery on

    Apple, Spotify


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    1 h y 4 m
  • 75. I’ve Seen It All: From Apprentice to Cars, Rockets, Implants & Robots – Jim Cooney

    75. I’ve Seen It All: From Apprentice to Cars, Rockets, Implants & Robots – Jim Cooney
    Mar 26 2025
    How do you go from being the kid who couldn’t sit still in class to leading the machine shop for one of Elon Musk’s most ambitious ventures? In this gripping and often jaw-dropping episode, I sit down with Jim Cooney—Head of the Machine Shop at Neuralink—for a raw and refreshingly honest conversation about resilience, reinvention, and the unconventional road to mastery in machining. While Jim isn’t a shop owner (my usual guest profile), his story offers every bit of the leadership lessons, grit, and insight that Machine Shop Mastery is known for. From his humble beginnings as a high school co-op student in Canada, Jim details how a lack of direction became fuel for a deeply hands-on journey into the world of machining. With stories of brutal old-school shop cultures, tools thrown across the room, and managers who trained with tough love (and zero patience), Jim paints a vivid picture of how adversity shaped his technical excellence and emotional resilience. But what really sets this episode apart is Jim’s transition from traditional tool & die work to the heart of Silicon Valley innovation. His career path took him from automotive stamping in Ontario to leading critical manufacturing efforts at Tesla, Apollo Fusion, and now Neuralink. He shares what it’s like building high-stakes, high-tech parts under pressure—and how working insane hours during Tesla’s “production hell” made him sharper, faster, and more adaptable. If you want a peek into the mindset and muscle it takes to thrive in a fast-paced, bleeding-edge manufacturing environment—or you're looking for inspiration on how to grow through adversity—this episode delivers in spades. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in… (0:00) Jim kicks off with a fun story about getting a missile export license(0:14) Why you should complete the Modern Machine Shops Top Shops Survey(1:42) Learn about Jim Cooney and his unique journey in manufacturing(4:35) Jim shares how struggling in school led him to discover machining(8:00) Stories from his early days in tough, old-school Canadian machine shops(10:44) Jim explains Canada’s apprenticeship system and earning his Red Seal(14:19) Jim’s first exposure to CNC and CAM at Massiv Die Form(20:04) Why Jim quit on the spot after being massively undervalued(22:13) How Jim moved into machining instruction at a college(25:46) How teaching machining and coaching hockey built his leadership skills(28:27) A surprise text leads Jim to Tesla during “production hell”(31:17) Wild stories from Tesla’s stamping department and nonstop chaos(34:21) Navigating the die process at Tesla (repair work)(38:15) Creating a game-changing apprenticeship program inside Tesla(40:41) Moving into the startup world with Apollo Fusion and later Astra(46:00) Facing burnout, broken promises, and the tough side of acquisitions(48:58) Quitting Astro and joining Neuralink the day he got his green card(51:49) Jim’s experience working at Neuralink (and their trajectory)(57:12) Jim’s process choosing the machinery they needed(1:00:15) Building and growing a team with a high standard of excellence(1:03:37) Skills to acquire if you aspire to be in leadership(1:06:33) Why you need to check out the Lights Out podcast Resources & People Mentioned Complete the Modern Machine Shops Top Shops SurveyTeslaNeuralink Connect with Jim Cooney Connect on LinkedIn Connect With Machine Shop Mastery The websiteLinkedInYouTubeInstagram Subscribe to Machine Shop Mastery on Apple, Spotify Audio Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK
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    1 h y 7 m
  • 74. From Employee to Employer - Adam Zimmer from Zimmer Design & Manufacturing

    74. From Employee to Employer - Adam Zimmer from Zimmer Design & Manufacturing
    Mar 12 2025
    Have you ever thought about what it takes to make the leap from employee to employer in the machining world? In this episode of Machine Shop Mastery, I’m joined by Adam Zimmer, the founder of Zimmer Design & Manufacturing. Adam’s journey is a remarkable one—he went from working as a tool and die maker to owning and growing his own successful machine shop in just three years. What started as a one-person shop is now an operation with 11 employees, nine machines, and three shifts running. In our conversation, Adam reveals how he made this transition, from learning the ropes as an employee to becoming an employer and leader. Adam explains how he built a company culture based on trust and autonomy, while networking and community involvement played a key role in his success. He also highlights how strategic investments in technology, such as ERP systems and automation, have fueled his rapid growth. Adam also talks about the value of working with a business coach to refine his management and financial strategies. If you're considering making the jump from employee to employer, or simply looking for ways to scale your own machine shop, Adam’s insights into hiring, process optimization, and leadership are sure to inspire you. This episode offers practical lessons from a business owner who has experienced it all firsthand. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... (0:00) Adam’s transition from musician to machinist(3:53) How Adam started Zimmer Design & Manufacturing(7:06) Diving in and acquiring a business and customers(11:21) The importance of networking to grow your customer base(13:31) Building a company culture based on trust and autonomy(16:01) Delegation and leadership: Adam’s approach(18:25) Using technology and automation to scale the business(20:57) How Adam finds and hires the right people(26:21) Why you need to check out Buy the Numbers(28:14) How Adam builds trust with his team(35:41) Overcoming challenges in the early stages of growth(42:58) Adam’s strategic moves and biggest wins(45:37) Advice for new shop owners or those looking to scale their business(49:40) Why Adam decided to hire a business coach Resources & People Mentioned Zimmer Design & Manufacturing StoreAdam on Manufacturing Transformed DiSC® ProfileProShop ERP Connect with Adam Zimmer Zimmer Design & ManufacturingConnect with Adam on LinkedIn Connect With Machine Shop Mastery The websiteLinkedInYouTubeInstagram Subscribe to Machine Shop Mastery on Apple, Spotify Audio Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK
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    52 m
  • 73. A Recipe for Winning High-Volume Work - Marvin Rodriguez of True Precision Machining

    73. A Recipe for Winning High-Volume Work - Marvin Rodriguez of True Precision Machining
    Feb 26 2025
    What if understanding the true cost of every part you produce could be the key to scaling your machine shop? In this episode of Machine Shop Mastery, Paul Van Metre is joined by Marvin Rodriguez from True Precision Machining to explore the strategies that have driven the company’s remarkable growth. Marvin shares his journey from starting with little formal education to leading a high-performance machine shop that blends cutting-edge technology with a deeply rooted commitment to craftsmanship. The conversation covers essential topics that all machine shop owners and managers should consider to scale their operations while ensuring quality and profitability. Marvin reveals how they use activity-based costing for accurate pricing, the importance of offering competitive yet fair quotes, and how to manage production shifts effectively. One of the key highlights of this episode is Marvin's discussion on how True Precision improved its profitability by understanding and adjusting their pricing models, not just for prototype work but also for high-volume production. He emphasizes the importance of paying attention to administrative and operational costs, which often get overlooked in traditional pricing models. They also delve into building a sustainable work culture, from offering six-figure salaries to top employees to providing clear communication and growth paths for all staff members. This approach has allowed True Precision to maintain quality while attracting and retaining top talent. Additionally, Marvin takes us through their innovative use of AI to streamline quoting and estimating processes, something that is transforming the way they handle administrative work. He talks about how automation and technology have enabled them to make smarter decisions, improve efficiency, and stay competitive in an ever-evolving manufacturing landscape. Whether you run a small shop or are looking to grow a larger operation, this episode offers invaluable insights into optimizing processes, building strong relationships with customers, and ensuring that your business can thrive for years to come. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... (0:00) Introduction to Marvin Rodriguez and True Precision Machining(2:48) Marvin’s journey into the machining industry and his experience in various shops(4:50) True Precision's evolution from 10 CNCs to 17 CNCs and 45 employees(8:19) Activity-based costing and how it improves the company's pricing structure(10:52) Operational efficiency and the benefits of running multiple shifts(15:02) How True Precision improved its customer relationships(18:07) Strategies for managing R&D and prototype jobs while scaling production(24:32) Converting customers from R&D to high-production orders (27:05) Improving on-time delivery with ProShop ERP(28:10) The challenges and rewards of adding multiple shifts(33:04) Building a positive shop culture by recognizing and supporting employees(37:04) The management metrics that True Precision prioritizes(40:04) How True Precision approaches sales and marketing(45:12) The importance of paying employees well and offering clear growth paths(48:14) Key takeaways for shop owners looking to grow their business Resources & People Mentioned ProShop ERP Connect with Marvin Rodriguez True Precision Machining Connect With Machine Shop Mastery The websiteLinkedInYouTubeInstagram Subscribe to Machine Shop Mastery on Apple, Spotify Audio Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK
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    54 m
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