Machine Shop Mastery

Paul Van Metre

The Machine Shop Mastery Podcast helps to elevate the importance of the machine shop industry and reveal the secrets of success for machine shops, to inspire other shop owners or would-be shop owners to follow their passions, start and grow their shops to be an economic driver for our economy and their stakeholders.

  1. 7 HR AGO

    Massive Growth and CMMC Certification with Jessica from Bent River Machine

    Taking over a family machine shop is one challenge. Scaling it rapidly while navigating defense-industry cybersecurity requirements is another entirely. In this episode of Machine Shop Mastery, Paul sits down with Jessica Eckman of Bent River Machine, an Arizona-based factory tooling and automation company that has been building complex equipment since 1978. After Jessica and her husband took over the business in 2021, Bent River experienced explosive growth, landing on the Inc. 5000 list after expanding more than 125% in a single year. Jessica shares how a combination of long-standing customer relationships, major automation projects, and a surge in demand from companies like Amazon and Sonix pushed the company from a $5 million operation to more than $12 million in revenue almost overnight. With limited time to expand facilities, the team had to rethink planning, outsourcing, subcontractor relationships, and internal logistics to scale quickly without losing control. Midway through the conversation, we pivot to one of the most pressing topics in defense manufacturing today: CMMC 2.0 certification. Jessica walks through Bent River's year-long journey to achieve Level 2 certification, covering everything from cybersecurity systems and physical security requirements to auditing, consultants, and real-world implementation challenges for manufacturers. For shops working in the defense supply chain, this episode offers a rare inside look at what it actually takes to become CMMC compliant and why it will soon be unavoidable for much of the industry. In This Episode:  (0:00) Introducing Jessica Eckman and Bent River Machine's rapid growth story (3:21) The origins of the company and its evolution from a machine shop to full engineering and automation (8:05) Jessica and her husband's journey toward eventually taking over the business (11:31) Completing the ownership transition and purchasing the company in 2021 (14:31) Scaling from a $5M shop to a $12M+ company and landing on the Inc. 5000 list (20:18) The role of long-term relationships in winning repeat business and large automation contracts (22:05) Get a free report of opportunities in your industry at facturmfg.com/factur (23:52) Scaling production through subcontractors instead of immediate capital expansion (24:54) Lessons learned while outsourcing large volumes of work quickly (26:44) Why we created Hire MFG Leaders to help the metalworking nation (28:37) Why detailed planning is critical when coordinating internal and outsourced manufacturing (31:10) Creating documentation systems and supplier communication tools to avoid costly mistakes (34:11) Hiring assemblers, building a team, and workforce development (37:40) The process of pursuing CMMC Level 2 certification (44:52) Key cybersecurity infrastructure decisions including ERP, servers, and email security (47:27) Handling CNC programs, drawings, and CUI within a manufacturing environment (49:44) Why you need to come see us at 2026 IMTS (57:08) Advice for manufacturers preparing for CMMC certification (1:02:57) Where to connect with Jessica and learn more about Bent River Machine  Resources & People Mentioned Get a free report of opportunities in your industry at facturmfg.com/factur Why we created Hire MFG Leaders to help the metalworking nation Why you need to come see us at 2026 IMTS Jessica recommends Reef Systems for CMMC Audit Microsoft 365 Government Community Cloud Virtru Connect with Jessica Eckman Bent River Machine JessicaR@Bent-River.com Connect With Machine Shop Mastery The website LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Subscribe to Machine Shop Mastery on Apple, Spotify

    1h 4m
  2. 11 MAR

    How to Buy a Machine Shop Well: Nik and Aaron with Mahler Machining

    Buying a machine shop from the outside can sound intimidating. For Nik and Aaron of Mahler Machining, it was also an opportunity. In this episode of Machine Shop Mastery, Paul sits down with the two partners who acquired a precision machining business in Vancouver, British Columbia after spending nearly a decade in corporate finance and private equity. Instead of continuing to advise businesses from the outside, they decided to own and operate one themselves. Their search led them to manufacturing, and ultimately to Mahler Machining, a shop they believed had the foundation to grow into something much larger. What makes this conversation especially valuable is the playbook they share for buying a machine shop the right way. From structuring the deal with the retiring owners, to spending their entire first year on the shop floor learning the business, to intentionally investing in culture, systems, and leadership, Nik and Aaron walk through how they approached the transition. Their story shows how disciplined operators from outside the industry can successfully step into manufacturing ownership while earning the trust of the team already in place. Since acquiring the business, they've implemented major operational improvements, including adding a third shift, investing in new equipment, building a formal sales engine, implementing ERP, and even completing a tuck-in acquisition of another small shop. The result has been consistent growth while laying the groundwork for entry into aerospace and defense markets. For anyone thinking about buying a machine shop, scaling one beyond the typical owner-operator ceiling, or preparing their own shop for acquisition someday, this episode provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at how thoughtful operators approach the process. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... (0:51) Paul introduces Nik and Aaron from Mahler Machining and explains why their acquisition story matters for the future of the industry (3:29) Growing up together, careers in corporate finance, and the decision to pursue business ownership (6:25) Why manufacturing and precision machining stood out as the right industry to enter (9:50) Structuring the acquisition and navigating the transition (12:25) Why we love SMW Autoblok for workholding (13:12) Learning the business, early operational improvements, and plans for long-term growth (19:21) Why diversification across industries and customers is critical to reduce risk (21:30) Building a disciplined sales engine using CRM, metrics, and persistence (23:58) Developing machinists through partnerships with technical colleges and apprenticeship programs (27:31) Shifting company culture toward learning, psychological safety, and clearly defined core values (31:23) Operational improvements including quality control upgrades and stronger sales efforts (34:47) Grow your top and bottom line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) (35:28) Managing change and helping employees adapt to ERP implementation (38:35) Recruiting challenges and building the next generation of machinists (41:20) The unforgettable first day of ownership… (42:32) Investing ahead of growth and building a leadership team for scale (47:12) Integrating employees after acquiring another shop (48:21) Advice for future buyers: go slow in year one so you can move faster later (49:26) Why they remain bullish on the long-term future of precision machining (53:47) Join us at IMTS 2026 in Chicago!  Resources & People Mentioned The Gap and the Gain SMW Autoblok Join us at IMTS 2026 in Chicago!  CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) Connect with Nik and Aaron with Mahler Machining Mahler Machine Nik Paukkunen Aaron Kennedy Connect With Machine Shop Mastery The website LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Subscribe to Machine Shop Mastery on Apple, Spotify

    55 min
  3. 4 MAR

    Building Craftsmen with Character with Dave Hataj from Edgerton Gear

    In this deeply personal and powerful episode of Machine Shop Mastery, Paul sits down with Dave Hataj, third-generation leader of Edgerton Gear in Wisconsin. What begins as a conversation about a custom gear job shop quickly unfolds into something much larger — a story about culture change, humility, sabotage, burnout, mentorship, and the responsibility manufacturers carry in shaping the next generation. When Dave returned to his family's shop in the early 1990s, he walked into a deeply dysfunctional environment. Alcohol flowed freely in the lunchroom. Leadership was fragmented. Trust was thin. When he began making changes, the resistance was immediate and intense — including internal sabotage from senior employees and the loss of key team members. What followed was years of long hours, strained relationships, and hard-earned lessons about leadership and character. Instead of doubling down on control, Dave made a different choice. He committed to building a culture centered on humility, trust, mentorship, and service. Over time, that commitment reshaped not only Edgerton Gear but also his vision for workforce development. Out of that journey came Craftsman with Character — a program that connects high school students with real manufacturers while intentionally developing virtues like responsibility, purpose, teachability, and excellence. What started as a local experiment in one Wisconsin community has expanded across multiple states and reached hundreds of students. This episode explores how character-driven leadership can create both cultural transformation and business growth — and why manufacturing may be one of the most powerful vehicles we have to restore dignity, purpose, and opportunity in our communities. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... (0:00) Introduction to Dave Hataj and Edgerton Gear (3:52) Edgerton Gear today: custom gear capabilities and industries served (4:54) The origin story: how Dave's parents started the company in 1962 (10:09) Get a free list of opportunities in your industry from FacturMFG.com/chips (12:00) Returning to a toxic culture, beginning transformation, and rebuilding (16:01) The personal toll of leadership and lessons from burnout (19:37) Why humility became the defining hiring trait (23:25) Studying character: The doctoral work that shaped Dave's philosophy (29:14) Why you need to use Hire MFG Leaders (29:43) The launch of Craftsman with Character (35:17) How the program works: job shadowing paired with character development (39:40) Expanding the model nationally with U.S. Navy support (41:46) Transitioning from grant funding to a sustainable model (43:37) Building a mentoring culture inside Edgerton Gear (46:05) How ProShop ERP can help you achieve on-time delivery (47:01) The profitability impact of servant leadership and community investment (52:14) Radical rest, health struggles, and long-term sustainability (55:56) Why blue-collar businesses are foundational to civilization (1:00:36) Purpose and relationships as the foundation of a meaningful life (2:03:22) Succession planning and passing leadership to the next generation Resources & People Mentioned Becoming Good by David Gill 78. The Power of Being Mission Driven – Court Durkalski of Truline Industries Get a free list of opportunities in your industry from FacturMFG.com/chips Why you need to use Hire MFG Leaders How ProShop ERP can help you achieve on-time delivery Connect with Dave Hataj CWCharacter.org EdgertonGear.com DaveHataj.com Good Work: How Blue Collar Business Can Change Lives, Communities, and the World The Craftsman's Code: A Blueprint for Building a Meaningful Life and an Enduring Connect With Machine Shop Mastery The website LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Subscribe to Machine Shop Mastery on Apple, Spotify Audio Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK

    1h 4m
  4. 25 FEB

    Making Racecars and Chips: Going all in on machining with TKO Precision Machining

    What happens when a high-performance race shop decides to jump into aerospace and defense manufacturing — and goes all in? In this episode of Machine Shop Mastery, I sit down with Marty Moran of TKO Precision Machining and TKO Motorsports in Reno, Nevada. What started in 2008 as a motorsports-focused shop building custom race cars and high-end components evolved into a serious aerospace and defense manufacturing operation about eight years ago. Marty shares how the team leveraged deep motorsports and aerospace experience to enter defense manufacturing, earn AS9100 certification, and build a thriving 15-machine shop. But what stands out most isn't just their growth — it's their culture. Communication is constant. Training is intentional. Hiring is rigorous. And everyone is expected to succeed. We talk about workforce development, cross-training machinists into race crew roles, the realities of AS9100 compliance, building depth through mentorship, and the painful ERP lesson that ultimately led them to ProShop. Marty also shares why aerospace certification doesn't just open doors — it makes you a better shop. If you're trying to build a resilient, team-driven shop in today's manufacturing environment, this conversation is packed with insight. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... (0:00) Introducing Marty Moran and the origins of TKO Motorsports (2:18) How the business evolved from a race shop into contract machining (4:02) Launching TKO Precision Machining as a focused aerospace operation (6:05) Current shop size, equipment mix, and aerospace capabilities (9:40) How the motorsports division operates alongside contract machining (14:35) Integrating machinists into race team operations (19:10) Breaking into aerospace and defense manufacturing (22:40) Starting with prototype work to build long-term customers (25:05) Navigating ITAR and NIST 800-171 compliance (29:20) Revenue diversification between motorsports and defense work (32:05) Building culture through cross-training and accountability (36:10) Hiring philosophy and what TKO looks for in new employees (41:20) Peer-driven hiring process and extended evaluation periods (45:00) Developing operators into machinists through internal training (48:55) Measuring spindle utilization and operational efficiency (52:05) Communication rhythm and leadership accessibility (54:30) Lessons learned from ERP implementation and systems discipline (56:20) Advice for smaller shops on training, retention, and culture (58:00) Final reflections on teamwork and what's next for TKO Resources & People Mentioned Grow your top and bottom-line with CliftonLarsonAllen Why we love SMW Autoblok for workholding Mark your calendars and come see us at IMTS 2026 Connect with Marty Moran Connect on LinkedIn TKO Precision Machining Connect With Machine Shop Mastery The website LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Subscribe to Machine Shop Mastery on Apple, Spotify Audio Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK

    59 min
  5. 18 FEB

    Beyond Tool & Die: How Overton Industries Evolved and Thrives

    What does it take to grow a third-generation family machine shop into a diversified, nearly 100-person operation pushing $20 million in revenue? In this episode of Machine Shop Mastery, I sit down with Zac Overton of Overton Industries to unpack the evolution of a business that started as a 900-square-foot carbide tooling shop in 1968 and grew into a multi-division manufacturing company spanning tool & die, contract CNC machining, high-speed stamping (300 million parts per year), and advanced tube forming automation systems. Zac shares how his grandfather's "lifestyle business" became something much bigger when the second generation stepped in unexpectedly and decided scale was the only path forward. We talk about diversification, leadership development, transparency with employees, workforce pipelines, and what it really takes to evolve from tool-and-die thinking into a continuous-improvement contract machining mindset. One of the most powerful takeaways is Zac's perspective on marketing. Overton has generated nearly $10 million in new business in the last five years directly attributable to strategic marketing investments. If you think marketing doesn't apply to manufacturing, this conversation might change your mind. This episode is a masterclass in multi-generational leadership, operational transition, and intentional growth.  You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... (0:48) Overview of Overton Industries: tool & die, stamping, contract machining, and tube forming systems (4:55) The evolution of the tool & die business, carbide tooling, and high-speed stamping (8:22) It's time to gear up for IMTS 2026 — will you see us there? (10:13) Company size, revenue, and scaling toward $20M (10:56) How Zac's grandfather launched the business in 1968 (12:56) Taking a deep-dive into carbine compaction tooling (15:44) From lifestyle business to growth-focused enterprise (20:15) Zac's path into the business and why he had to earn his way in (25:31) Early sales lessons: curiosity, humility, and learning before selling (27:50) Why we love Phoenix Heat Treating for outside processing (30:01) Workforce development strategy and building long-term talent pipelines (34:37) Partnering with high schools, technical centers, and universities (37:34) Engaging younger students and creating early awareness of manufacturing careers (41:04) Financial transparency and communicating profitability to employees (44:45) Transitioning from tool & die thinking to contract machining optimization (49:08) Continuous improvement challenges and pushing cycle time efficiency (58:00) Growing leaders internally and creating upward career paths (1:03:35) Why marketing has driven over $10M in new business (1:07:38) Qualified hires chosen by industry experts: HireMFGLeaders.com (1:08:21) Brand positioning: shifting from "Everyman" to high-tech leader (1:10:47) Where to connect with Zac and learn more about Overton Industries Resources & People Mentioned It's time to gear up for IMTS 2026 — will you see us there?  Why we love Phoenix Heat Treating for outside processing Qualified hires chosen by industry experts: HireMFGLeaders.com Connect with Zac OVerton Overton Industries Connect on LinkedIn Connect With Machine Shop Mastery The website LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Subscribe to Machine Shop Mastery on Apple, Spotify Audio Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK

    1h 12m
  6. 11 FEB

    A Father's Legacy, a Daughter's Vision: Carrying a Family Machine Shop Forward

    Taking over a family machine shop is never just a business decision. It's personal. In this episode of Machine Shop Mastery, I sit down with Nubia Perez of Gretna Machine Shop to talk about what it really means to carry a founder's legacy forward while finding the courage to lead in your own way. Nubia shares the origin story of Gretna Machine Shop, founded by her father after immigrating to the U.S. with little more than a suitcase and a trade. What began in a small garage evolved into a respected Houston-based precision machining company serving oil and gas, aerospace, and defense. But the journey wasn't linear, and it wasn't easy. After her father's health declined and he passed away shortly after Nubia joined the business, she was left to navigate leadership without the long runway many second-generation owners get. For nearly a decade, she focused on administration, growth initiatives, and diversification, without fully stepping into the role of CEO. Those years, which she candidly refers to as "the dark years," revealed a hard truth: the business didn't just need management, it needed vision. This conversation explores Nubia's transformation from reluctant successor to confident leader. We talk about imposter syndrome, EOS, values-based leadership, mindful manufacturing, and how culture changes when the stress comes from the work instead of the people. It's an honest, human story about growth, grief, responsibility, and learning to lead as yourself — not as a replica of the generation before you. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... (0:00) Why separating people from problems changes how teams handle stress (0:55) Introducing Nubia Perez and Gretna Machine Shop (3:01) A snapshot of Gretna today, including industries served and ownership structure (3:53) Gretna's founding and the early days in Houston (6:43) Nubia's career outside manufacturing and resisting the family business (7:51) Joining the shop, starting an MBA, and losing her father months later (10:43) Why you should check out the SMW Autoblok catalog (11:58) Growing up around the shop and parental expectations (13:36) Learning to love manufacturing and seeing the shop as a place of opportunity (17:27) The "dark years" after taking over without clear leadership or vision (18:26) Moving facilities and early efforts to professionalize the business (21:01) Realizing the business needed a true CEO, not just administrators (24:01) Stepping into leadership through observation, listening, and learning (25:47) How her father's health shaped Gretna's culture and focus on wellness (28:49) Mark your calendars and come see us at IMTS 2026! (29:45) Hiring, firing, and promoting based on values, not just performance (32:47) Diversifying beyond oil and gas into aerospace and defense (37:00) Using feedback loops to learn from both failures and wins (41:16) Lean thinking, operational waste, and continuous improvement in practice (44:07) Using EOS scorecards and Level 10 meetings to drive accountability (46:27) Turning metrics and root cause analysis into real action (48:42) How to get ProShop's guide to help you achieve on-time delivery  (50:11) Workforce development challenges and investing in apprenticeships (54:03) Building culture through shared routines and leadership team trust (57:28) Embracing authentic leadership and letting go of imposter syndrome (1:03:46) How to connect with Gretna Machine Shop and Nubia Perez Resources & People Mentioned Capital IDEA Houston NTMA  SMW Autoblok catalog IMTS 2026 ProShop's on-time delivery guide  Connect with Nubia Perez Connect on LinkedIn Gretna Machine Shop Connect With Machine Shop Mastery The website LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Subscribe to Machine Shop Mastery on Apple, Spotify Audio Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK

    1h 5m
  7. 4 FEB

    He Borrowed $1M to Save His Team: Gary Poesnecker with Spectrum Machine & Design

    Some machine shop owners talk about people-first leadership. Few are willing to put everything on the line to prove it. In this episode of Machine Shop Mastery, I sit down with Gary Poesnecker, founder of Spectrum Machine & Design, whose leadership was tested when the world shut down. Faced with collapsing demand during COVID, Gary made a decision most owners wouldn't: he borrowed over $1 million to keep his team employed and protect the tribal knowledge inside his shop. That moment didn't happen in isolation. It was the result of decades of experience across precision grinding, machine rebuilding, offshore oil equipment, and ultimately high-risk aerospace manufacturing, where a single part can be worth hundreds of thousands — or even millions — of dollars. Gary shares how starting in a garage, working two full-time jobs, and getting fired shaped his views on culture, loyalty, and responsibility. We dig into the realities of AS9100, NADCAP, model-based definition, managing extreme risk, and why refusing high turnover has become a strategic advantage. This conversation is about what it really takes to build a high-stakes manufacturing business — and what it means to lead when the cost of failure is measured in both dollars and people. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... (0:00) Why culture, turnover, and tribal knowledge matter more than most shops admit (1:03) Introducing Gary Poesnecker and Spectrum Machine & Design (3:08) What Spectrum Machine & Design does today and why aerospace is different (6:28) Gary's early machining background and learning precision the hard way (8:07) Why you need to register and come see us at IMTS 2026! (10:08) Lessons from machine repair, offshore oil work, and complex systems (14:18) Working two full-time jobs to fund the shop and ease into ownership (15:46) Getting fired, witnessing bad culture, and deciding to lead differently (18:00) Hiring the first employee and committing to long-term loyalty (23:43) Transitioning from toolmaking into aerospace production work (27:36) COVID, lost demand, and the decision to pivot to survive (33:45) Check out Phoenix Heat Treating for outside processing (34:51) Borrowing over $1M to protect payroll and keep the team intact (36:34) Recruiting and training young talent through technical schools (42:25) Building a culture people choose to stay in (44:23) Implementing systems and ERP to gain visibility and control (47:36) Managing risk on extremely high-value aerospace parts (50:20) Current challenges around systems, lean, and process discipline (51:29) What makes shop ownership worth it despite the pressure (52:30) Advice for owners growing through complexity and specialization (53:25) Look to Hire MFG Leaders to make your next hire (55:17) Where to learn more about Spectrum Machine & Design Resources & People Mentioned Come see us at IMTS 2026! Check out Phoenix Heat Treating for outside processing ProShop ERP Look to Hire MFG Leaders to make your next hire Connect with Gary Poesnecker Connect on LinkedIn Spectrum Machine & Design Connect With Machine Shop Mastery The website LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Subscribe to Machine Shop Mastery on Apple, Spotify

    53 min
  8. 28 JAN

    Extreme Specialization: The Strategy Behind a 123-Person Gear Company

    Most machine shops grow by adding capabilities, chasing new markets, and saying "yes" as often as possible. Forest City Gear took the opposite path — and built a 123-person company by doing it. In this episode of Machine Shop Mastery, I sit down with Kika Young, President of Forest City Gear, to unpack how extreme specialization became the company's competitive advantage. Instead of trying to be everything to everyone, Forest City Gear made the intentional decision to focus almost exclusively on one thing: high-precision, loose gears. That focus reshaped everything — from who they sell to, to how they price work, to how they think about growth. Kika shares the personal and professional story behind that strategy, including the weight of leading a multi-generation family business, navigating serious health challenges within her family, and nearly selling the company before deciding to commit fully to its future. Along the way, she explains why walking away from entire industries was one of the best decisions they ever made. This conversation is a deep dive into focus as a growth strategy. It challenges the idea that more capability automatically means more opportunity, and instead makes the case that saying "no" — clearly and consistently — can be the most powerful move a shop owner makes. If you're wrestling with how to grow without losing control, margin, or identity, this episode offers a clear, real-world example of what disciplined specialization actually looks like. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... (0:00) Introducing Forest City Gear and the idea of extreme specialization (2:00) A snapshot of the company today, including team size and what they do — and don't do (4:58) The origins of Forest City Gear and how the business first got started (7:44) Getting a firsthand look at the quality of SMW Autoblok workholding (9:30) Growing from a garage operation into a long-standing precision manufacturer (12:21) Kika's path into the family business and early exposure to leadership (16:00) Stepping into leadership and taking responsibility for the company's direction (18:02) Exploring the decision to pursue a sale — and why it ultimately didn't happen (21:02) Where the business stands today in terms of growth, scale, and ownership (24:23) What makes precision gear manufacturing fundamentally different from general machining (27:30) The core drivers behind Forest City Gear's long-term growth (29:59) Why the company intentionally avoids automotive work (32:16) Mark your calendars and register for IMTS 2026 (33:06) Customer diversification and how end markets are chosen (34:51) How sales and marketing work in a highly specialized niche (37:40) Channels that actually drive demand for precision gears (41:03) Understanding the true competitive landscape (42:36) Advertising in specialty magazines (45:25) Core values and how they show up on the shop floor (48:46) Hiring and retention in a specialized manufacturing environment (51:44) ProShop can help you achieve on-time delivery (52:55) The biggest challenges facing the business today (55:01) Leadership transparency during difficult years (57:35) How organizational structure evolved as the company grew (1:03:29) Advice for shop owners considering specialization as a growth strategy (1:06:24) Where to learn more about Forest City Gear Resources & People Mentioned Check out the SMW Autoblok catalog Mark your calendars and register for IMTS 2026 Your guide to achieving on-time delivery with ProShop ERP MPT Expo Gear Technology Gear Solutions Connect with Kika Young Forest City Gear Connect on LinkedIn

    1h 8m

About

The Machine Shop Mastery Podcast helps to elevate the importance of the machine shop industry and reveal the secrets of success for machine shops, to inspire other shop owners or would-be shop owners to follow their passions, start and grow their shops to be an economic driver for our economy and their stakeholders.

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