Radical Job Shop Show

Marketing Metal
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Marketing
  • Updated Biweekly

Welcome to The Radical Job Shop Show where leaders of some of America's most vital and under the radar small businesses go deep and get gritty about what it takes to build a bold, profitable, and impactful shop. I'm your host, Emily Joann Wilkins, founder of Marketing Metal, the anti-agency that helps machine shops, fabricators, and custom equipment builders craft a radical brand that leaves behind a legacy. Thanks to our friends at Creston Industrial Sales, who've backed our mission since day one. We were able to kick things off live at the Advanced Manufacturing Expo in Grand Rapids.

  1. 22h ago

    Inside a Precision Machine Shop Built to Grow People | APW Shop Tour

    Most machine shops are built around equipment.American Precision Works was built around people.In just 18 months, Matt Bruner and John transformed an empty industrial building in Southwest Philadelphia into a modern precision machining company focused on creating meaningful careers, investing in technology, and delivering world-class manufacturing.In this episode of the Radical Job Shop Tour, Emily Wilkins visits American Precision Works to learn why they chose to build their company in the city—and how their people-first philosophy is shaping every decision they make.Inside This Shop Tour• Precision CNC machining• 5-axis machining• Building a modern machine shop from scratch• Investing in people before equipment• Developing the next generation of machinists• Manufacturing in Southwest Philadelphia• Growing a culture of continuous improvementWhy It Matters?By combining modern manufacturing technology with intentional hiring, training, and business systems, they're proving that manufacturing careers can thrive in the heart of Philadelphia.About American Precision WorksAmerican Precision Works is a precision CNC machine shop specializing in complex machining while building meaningful manufacturing careers in Southwest Philadelphia.Learn more:https://www.americanprecisionworks.com/About Marketing MetalMarketing Metal helps machine shops, fabricators, and manufacturers build Radical Brands that attract better customers, stronger talent, and long-term growth.Explore more Radical Job Shops:https://marketingmetal.com/Timestamps00:00 Intro00:49 Welcome to American Precision Works02:08 Building a Machine Shop from Scratch03:01 Matt & John's Manufacturing Journey05:20 Why Built APW in Philadelphia07:43 Choosing the Right Machines for the Work09:00 Touring the Shop Floor12:42 Why Say No to Certain Jobs14:13 Creating Manufacturing Careers in Southwest Philly16:00 Building a Paperless Machine Shop17:19 ProShop: The Backbone of the Business20:21 Approach to Automation21:37 Digital Work Instructions Every Operator Uses25:05 Building a Team from the Ground Up27:47 From Retail to Precision Machining29:29 Why Young People Are Choosing Manufacturing31:11 Why Smaller Shops Can Win32:10 What's Next for American Precision Works?34:09 Final Thoughts#MachineShopTour #PrecisionMachining #CNCMachining #Manufacturing #JobShop #FiveAxis #PhiladelphiaManufacturing #AmericanPrecisionWorks #MarketingMetal

  2. Jul 15

    Amish Craftsmanship Meets Modern CNC Machining | Star Machine Shop Tour

    Most people don't associate Amish communities with CNC machining, automation, or modern manufacturing.But that's exactly what makes Star Machine so interesting.In this episode of The Radical Job Shop Show, Emily Wilkins visits Star Machine in Shipshewana, IN to tour their new facility and hear how owner Phil Miller grew the company from a small shop rooted in family tradition into a growing precision machining business.What started as a small family operation has grown into a precision machining company serving customers across the country.Along the way, Phil shares:• The story behind the Star Machine• Why he believes in hiring attitude and training skills• How an Amish-owned machine shop uses modern technology• What customers are really looking for in a manufacturing partner• How the company grew into a facility nearly four times larger than their previous shopWhether you're a machine shop owner, manufacturing leader, engineer, or simply curious about modern manufacturing, this episode offers a unique look inside a business that's doing things a little differently.Learn more about Star Machine: https://www.starmachinellc.com/ Learn more about Marketing Metal: https://marketingmetal.com/Timestamps00:00 Intro00:45 Welcome to Star Machine01:30 Growing Into a Shop 4x Larger02:15 The Story Behind Star Machine03:50 Helping Customers Turn Ideas Into Parts05:15 Customer Success Stories07:00 Inventory & Customer Support08:30 Solving Manufacturing Problems09:00 Touring The Shop Floor10:20 Why Phil Bought a Swiss Machine11:30 Parts For The Glass Industry13:00 Building a Clean, Modern Shop14:45 Who Star Machine Serves15:30 Core Values & Building Trust16:20 What's Radical About Star Machine?17:15 Amish Ownership & LinkedIn19:30 Training The Next Generation22:00 Hire Attitude, Train The Skills23:30 The Impact of Branding & The Website24:15 Final Thoughts#Manufacturing #Machining #CNC #MachineShop #JobShop #ManufacturingCareers

  3. Jul 8

    The Brightest Machine Shop I've Ever Seen | TORQ Manufacturing Tour

    Most machine shops are built around equipment.TORQ Manufacturing was built around people.When Kyle and his team designed this facility, they weren't trying to create the biggest shop. They were building the kind of manufacturing company they always wanted to work for.The result is a modern contract manufacturing operation that combines precision machining, fabrication, assembly, and problem-solving under one roof—while investing heavily in culture, training, and continuous improvement.In this episode of the Radical Job Shop Tour, Emily visits TORQ Manufacturing to see how a growing Utah machine shop is creating opportunities for its team while serving customers across a wide range of industries.From aerospace and defense work to commercial products, you'll see how TORQ balances advanced manufacturing capabilities with a people-first approach.Inside This Shop Tour Modern CNC machining operationsContract manufacturing and production supportEmployee development and cross-trainingContinuous improvement and shop growthCulture-driven leadershipThe philosophy behind building a better machine shopThe equipment is impressive.The real story is the people behind it.If you're a machine shop owner, manufacturing leader, or someone passionate about modern manufacturing, this tour is for you.About TORQ Manufacturing: TORQ Manufacturing is a Utah-based contract manufacturer providing precision machining, fabrication, assembly, and production support for customers across a variety of industries.Learn more about TORQ: https://torqmfg.com/About Marketing Metal: Marketing Metal helps machine shops, fabricators, and custom equipment builders build Radical Brands that attract the right customers, strengthen authority, and support long-term growth.Explore the full TORQ case study: https://marketingmetal.com/radical-jo...Learn more about Marketing Metal: https://www.marketingmetal.com/ Timestamps00:00 – Welcome to TORQ Manufacturing01:00 – Inside a Modern Contract Manufacturing Shop01:53 – How TORQ Grew Into a Full Machine Shop03:01 – Why Kyle Built the Brightest Machine Shop He's Ever Worked In04:17 – Quality Control, AS9100, and Precision Inspection05:01 – Building a Manufacturing Team That Stays05:51 – Automation, Mill-Turns, and Lights-Out Production06:28 – From Tooling & Fixtures to Production Manufacturing06:48 – Growing from 3,500 Sq. Ft. to a Modern Facility07:29 – Scaling Capacity Without Outgrowing the Shop08:18 – Why Manufacturing Is Still One of the Best Trades08:50 – Parts for Airplanes, Satellites, Medical Devices, and More09:42 – Training Machinists from Scratch10:21 – From Shipping & Receiving to CMM Programming11:45 – Daily Production Meetings and Running the Business12:55 – Why Shop Owners Need to Stay Connected to Their Team13:26 – The Real Impact of Small Manufacturing Shops

  4. Jun 5

    Inside a Fully Integrated Machine Shop (No Outsourcing) | Teltron Shop Tour

    If you're managing 3–5 vendors just to get one assembly built, this is what it looks like when it’s done right.Welcome to Teltron Manufacturing — a fully integrated machine shop combining sheet metal fabrication, CNC machining, welding, forming, finishing, and assembly under one roof.No handoffs. No finger-pointing. No chasing vendors.In this episode of the Radical Job Shop Tour, Emily visits Teltron to see how the team transformed a legacy fabrication shop into a modern, high-performance manufacturing partner. From 5-axis machining to lights-out laser automation, in-house finishing, and integrated workflows, this is what a true one-stop shop looks like.What Teltron Does In-HousePrecision sheet metal fabricationCNC machining (3, 4, and 5-axis)Welding and formingPowder coating and wet paintPart marking and finishingMechanical assembly and test fitSend the print. They take it from there.Why It MattersMost shops stop at parts.Teltron delivers finished assemblies that fit, function, and ship ready.That means:Fewer vendors to manageFaster lead timesBetter quality controlNo surprises at final assemblyBuilt for OEMs in robotics, semiconductor, and defense who are done dealing with rework, delays, and communication breakdowns.Inside the ShopIn this tour, you’ll see:Lights-out laser automation (15-shelf tower)Fiber laser welding and cobot automationOffline programming and integrated systemsA facility built for scale and flowGet StartedIf you need a partner that can take a project from print to finished assembly, start here.Full case study:https://www.marketingmetal.com/radica...About Teltron ManufacturingTeltron Manufacturing is a contract manufacturer specializing in precision sheet metal fabrication, CNC machining, welding, forming, finishing, and assembly. Their integrated model gives customers more control, faster turnaround, and a better finished product.About Marketing MetalMarketing Metal helps machine shops and manufacturers build brands that attract the right customers, strengthen authority, and support long-term growth.Hashtags#MachineShopTour #SheetMetalFabrication #CNCMachining #Manufacturing #Assembly #JobShop #RadicalJobShopTimestamps00:00 – Welcome to Teltron Manufacturing00:10 – CNC Machining in a Sheet Metal Job Shop01:11 – How Teltron Combines Sheet Metal and CNC Machining02:11 – Building a Young, Cross-Trained Manufacturing Team03:54 – Reducing Waste with Laser Cutting + Machining05:01 – Job Shop DNA and the “Whatever It Takes” Mindset06:08 – People-First Culture and Retaining Good Talent06:49 – Planning the New Facility for Future Growth09:00 – Welding Capabilities, Fiber Laser Welding, and Cobot Automation10:54 – New Equipment, Integrated Software, and Offline Programming12:00 – Lights-Out Laser Automation and 6kW Fiber Laser Capacity14:04 – Turret Punch Press, Forming, and Automated Sheet Metal Processing15:15 – Modernizing a Legacy Shop with New Equipment16:38 – Press Brake Technology and Offline Forming Programs18:23 – Why In-House Paint and Powder Coating Matter20:14 – What Makes Teltron a Radical Job Shop

  5. May 29

    From Garage Startup to Growing Job Shop | Machining Summit

    In this Chairlift Conversations episode of The Radical Job Shop Show, host Emily Joann Wilkins rides up Mammoth Mountain with Patrick Lee and Keith Lee of Liberty Manufacturing, Teak Ackman, Jesse Randall, and Will Whitman of Seven Star Machine Engineering to talk about building a machine shop from scratch, growing into contract manufacturing, and finding opportunity in machining.The conversation covers marine repair work, reverse engineering obsolete parts, starting a shop in a garage, scaling a machining business, and why manufacturing still feels like one of the most straightforward ways to build something tangible.Patrick and Keith also share the story behind Liberty Manufacturing — how they went from a small garage setup with a mill and lathe to a growing shop with four machines, niche pharmaceutical tooling work, and customers in automation and machine building.Marketing Metal also recently helped Liberty Manufacturing sharpen their brand and website as part of our Radical Job Shops case study series. Check out the full Liberty Manufacturing case study here:https://www.marketingmetal.com/radica...This episode explores:– Starting a CNC machine shop from the ground up– Reverse engineering and repair manufacturing– Marine industry machining challenges– Contract manufacturing and job shop growth– Building a manufacturing business with family– Branding and websites for machine shops– Scaling from garage startup to professional operationWhether you're running a small machine shop, building a manufacturing startup, or trying to grow your customer base, this conversation offers a grounded look at what it takes to build momentum in manufacturing.Thanks to our friends at Toolpath for bringing the Machining Summit to life and inviting us to capture these conversations from the chairlift at Mammoth Mountain, California.🚀 Want a brand that attracts better-fit customers?Start with The Setup:https://www.marketingmetal.com/the-setupExplore more at:https://www.marketingmetal.comTimestamps00:00 – Intro: Chairlift Conversations at the Machining Summit00:58 – Meet the crew from Liberty Manufacturing and Sunny Starland01:42 – Marine repair, fabrication, and machining work02:16 – Ice boat nozzles and large welded structures03:00 – Expanding into contract machining and job shop work03:44 – Reverse engineering obsolete parts04:18 – New Jersey roots and moving operations to Pennsylvania05:02 – Wanting to “make stuff” and build something of their own05:48 – Why manufacturing feels foundational06:16 – Meet Patrick and Keith of Liberty Manufacturing06:34 – Launching Liberty Manufacturing from the ground up06:58 – Branding, websites, and working with Marketing Metal07:57 – Starting in a garage with a mill and lathe08:18 – Growing to four machines in under a year08:33 – Pharmaceutical tooling and automation customers08:51 – Building parts for robot integrators and testing systems09:11 – Closing thoughts from the chairlift

  6. May 26

    Manufacturing, Marketing & Machining Careers | Machining Summit

    In this Chairlift Conversations episode of The Radical Job Shop Show, host Emily Joann Wilkins rides up Mammoth Mountain with a group of manufacturing professionals from across the machining industry—including Justin Wilkins of MillerKnoll, Paul Clauss of Toolpath, Ethan Patane of Centric Iterations, Matthew Matyash, Paul Van Metre of ProShop ERP, and David Liu of finalREV.What starts as casual conversation quickly turns into a deep discussion about machine shops, entrepreneurship, automation, marketing, CAD/CAM software, content creation, and how younger generations are building careers in manufacturing differently.From Harbor Freight CNC conversions and Formula SAE to AI editing tools, ERP systems, Instagram marketing, and five-axis machining, this episode captures the kind of real-world shop talk that happens when manufacturing people get together outside the booth floor.The conversation explores:– Why machine shops still grow through relationships and word of mouth– How social media is changing manufacturing marketing– The challenge of balancing engineering and entrepreneurship– Why consistency matters more than perfection in content creation– How younger machinists are building businesses through Instagram and YouTube– Automation, software, and reducing friction in modern manufacturingWhether you're running a CNC machine shop, learning CAD/CAM, building a manufacturing brand, or trying to grow your customer pipeline, there’s something in this ride for you.Thanks to our friends at Toolpath for bringing the Machining Summit to life and inviting us to capture these conversations from the chairlift at Mammoth Mountain, California.🚀 Want a brand that attracts better-fit customers?Start with The Setup:https://www.marketingmetal.com/the-setupExplore more at:https://www.marketingmetal.comTimestamps00:00 – Intro: Chairlift Conversations at the Machining Summit00:58 – Sales, engineering, customer success, and wearing multiple hats01:23 – Toolpath customer success and onboarding01:49 – Meet David Liu from Final R02:06 – Reducing friction through software and automation02:42 – Herman Miller engineering and workspace optimization03:30 – Standing desks, walking pads, and productivity04:22 – Meet Paul Van Metre of ProShop ERP05:18 – Machines, automation, EDMs, lasers, and prototyping05:37 – Word-of-mouth marketing for machine shops05:45 – “Don’t should on yourself” about social media06:23 – AI tools for editing manufacturing content07:06 – Why repeating your marketing message matters07:51 – Five-axis machining videos and content strategy09:17 – CAD/CAM software talk: Fusion, HyperMill, SprutCAM, and more10:22 – Building a machine shop through Instagram10:52 – Why networking beats traditional advertising11:14 – Formula SAE and getting started in machining12:27 – Woodworking camps, engineering projects, and homemade machines14:08 – Harbor Freight CNC conversions and startup stories15:02 – How documenting projects became a business16:22 – Winning a Fadal CNC auction and the panic that followed

  7. May 21

    Jason Erickson on Engineering, Machine Shops & Relationships in Manufacturing | Machining Summit

    In this Chairlift Conversations episode of The Radical Job Shop Show, host Emily Joann Wilkins talks with Jason Erickson, a mechanical engineer, side-business owner, and aerospace professional navigating the overlap between engineering, entrepreneurship, and manufacturing.Jason shares his experience running a machine shop while working in aerospace fasteners at Click Bond, along with the challenges of balancing technical work, marketing, hiring, and growth.The conversation explores why relationships still drive manufacturing, the pressure of wearing multiple hats as a shop owner, and how younger generations are approaching networking and business differently.From Bonneville racing projects to engineering culture and brand-building, this episode captures the kind of honest manufacturing conversation that only happens on a chairlift.Whether you're running a CNC machine shop, working in manufacturing engineering, or trying to grow a small industrial business, there’s a lot to relate to in this one.Thanks to our friends at Toolpath for bringing the Machining Summit to life and inviting us to capture these conversations from the chairlift at Mammoth Mountain, California.🚀 Want a brand that attracts better-fit customers?Start with The Setup:https://www.marketingmetal.com/the-setupExplore more at:https://www.marketingmetal.comTimestamps00:00 – Intro: Chairlift Conversations at the Machining Summit00:58 – Meet Jason Erickson01:19 – Why Jason came to the Machining Summit01:43 – Mechanical engineering + running a machine shop02:17 – Aerospace fasteners and working at Click Bond02:35 – The reality of running your own business02:52 – Wearing multiple hats as a shop owner03:10 – Advanced innovation, side businesses, and entrepreneurship03:22 – Why engineers struggle with marketing03:58 – Building pipeline without relying on ads04:30 – Why manufacturing is still relationship-driven04:41 – Generational shifts in networking and business05:10 – Erikson Racing and Bonneville projects05:45 – Human-powered vehicle projects06:04 – Why “racing” creates insurance headaches06:19 – “So you need a rebrand…”

  8. May 20

    Al Whatmough on Reinventing Trade Shows | Machining Summit Story

    In this special Chairlift Conversations edition of The Radical Job Shop Show, host Emily Joann Wilkins sits down with Al Whatmough to talk about the idea behind the Machining Summit—and how a simple moment on a ski lift turned into one of the most unique events in manufacturing.Al shares how the concept started, why traditional trade shows weren’t cutting it, and what happens when you design an event around real conversations instead of booths and badges.From industry collaboration to intentional community-building, this episode is a behind-the-scenes look at how the Machining Summit came to life—and why it works.“when you're stuck on a chair lift for a few minutes, you talk.”Whether you're in CNC machining, running a job shop, or part of the manufacturing industry, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on connection, events, and leadership.Thanks to our friends at Toolpath for bringing the Machining Summit to life and inviting us to capture these conversations from the chairlift at Mammoth Mountain, California.🚀 Want a brand that attracts better-fit customers?Start with The Setup:https://www.marketingmetal.com/the-setupExplore more at:https://www.marketingmetal.comTimestamps00:00 – Intro: Chairlift Conversations at the Machining Summit00:34 – Meet Al Whatmough of Toolpath01:43 – Where the idea for the Machining Summit started02:02 – “We should just do this instead of a trade show”02:33 – Getting buy-in from the industry03:01 – Why chairlifts create better conversations03:44 – Making events more human (and bringing family along)04:10 – Rethinking how conferences are structured04:37 – From small idea to full event05:02 – Condo sessions, rock crawlers, and unexpected engagement05:54 – Planning the future of the Machining Summit06:20 – Why location matters (and attracts the right people)06:47 – Final thoughts: “Coolest conference ever”

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Radical Job Shop Show where leaders of some of America's most vital and under the radar small businesses go deep and get gritty about what it takes to build a bold, profitable, and impactful shop. I'm your host, Emily Joann Wilkins, founder of Marketing Metal, the anti-agency that helps machine shops, fabricators, and custom equipment builders craft a radical brand that leaves behind a legacy. Thanks to our friends at Creston Industrial Sales, who've backed our mission since day one. We were able to kick things off live at the Advanced Manufacturing Expo in Grand Rapids.

Information

  • Creator
    Marketing Metal
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Marketing Metal
  • Show Website
    Radical Job Shop Show