Making Chips Podcast for Manufacturing Leaders

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 Matt Wardle from JD Machine Kurt Jensen with Northridge High School Check out the Hennig Workflow (an automated pallet delivery system) Get a free guide to help you achieve on-time delivery at ProShopERP.com/95 SkillsUSA Competitions A2Z Manufacturing Magazine: How to nominate someone for their 40 under 40 Get a copy of A2Z Magazine Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

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 SendCutSend Connect with Jim on LinkedIn Connect with Phil on LinkedIn Why we love SMW Autoblok for workholding products Get a free report of sales opportunities in your area from FacturMFG.com/chips Check out the Hennig Workflow Automated Pallet delivery solution Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

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 12. Inspiring a New Generation of Female (and Male) Machinists Learn more about IMTS 2026 (and why you should join us) Paperless Parts uses secure AI to take busy work off your estimators [email protected] Connect with Melissa on LinkedIn M95 Machining on YouTube M95 Machining on Instagram Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

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 Rennscot MFG Connect with David Bamforth on LinkedIn Why we love Paperless Parts for your quoting workflow Why we love SMW Autoblok for workholding Why you need to check out the Hennig WorkFlow NYC CNC John Grimsmo Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

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 Brennan Grignon and Vantive (and come see her at IMTS) Jason Ray and Paperless Parts Why AI Isn't the Answer for Quoting: The Risks of Using ChatGPT in Manufacturing How to Fix Your Quoting Process Before it Kills Your Shop You need to come join us at IMTS 2026, September 14th-19th! Check out the Hennig WorkFlow: a 40-pallet automation system Cybersecurity Requirements for DoD Contractors: A Deep Dive into CMMC with Jacob Horne Trade organizations: NTMA, NDIA, & AMT Oklahoma's MEP Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube