Rapid Fire Manufacturing

RapidFireManufacturing

Rapid Fire Manufacturing on Spotify Welcome to Rapid Fire Manufacturing, the podcast where we spotlight the people, processes, and innovations driving the manufacturing industry forward. Hosted by David Turner, this show is all about quick, engaging conversations with industry leaders, machinists, and experts who make the manufacturing world turn. Each episode dives into topics like cutting-edge technology, workforce challenges, and the stories behind the tools and techniques shaping modern production.

  1. 1d ago

    The Future of Skilled Trades | Scott Jeffrey & Harold Schoch

    What happens when experienced manufacturing professionals retire and decades of knowledge leave with them? In this episode of Rapid Fire Manufacturing, David Turner sits down with Scott Jeffrey, Training and Maintenance Supervisor at ADVICS, alongside cohost Harold Schoch, to discuss workforce development, skilled trades, and the future of American manufacturing. With nearly 29 years at ADVICS, Scott shares his journey from maintaining military aircraft to helping develop a technical training program that creates opportunities for employees to grow into skilled maintenance positions. At one point, 46 employees applied for just four openings in the company’s internal maintenance training program. We discuss the importance of hands-on learning, mentorship, technical education, employee development, and building a company culture where people want to stay and grow. Scott also shares how ADVICS works with technical schools to develop future talent, why basic mechanical skills still matter in an increasingly automated industry, and what manufacturers can do to preserve valuable knowledge. From CNC machining and industrial maintenance to robotics, automation, and workforce training, this conversation explores what it takes to prepare the next generation of manufacturing professionals. Whether you’re a manufacturing leader, machinist, maintenance technician, educator, or someone considering a career in the skilled trades, there’s something to take away from this conversation. Rapid Fire Manufacturing explores the people, technology, and stories shaping the manufacturing industry.

  2. Oct 8

    From the Shop Floor to CEO | Michael Huggett, INDEX Corporation

    What does it take to go from shipping and receiving to leading one of the industry’s established machine tool manufacturers? In this episode of Rapid Fire Manufacturing, David Turner sits down with Michael Huggett, President and CEO of INDEX Corporation, at the company’s facility in Noblesville, Indiana. Michael shares how his manufacturing career began with a simple curiosity about the machines outside his shipping department and how those early experiences shaped his approach to sales, leadership, and customer relationships. The conversation explores CNC machining, manufacturing automation, and why improving overall production efficiency matters more than simply reducing individual cycle times. Michael also discusses INDEX’s approach to complete part manufacturing, its philosophy of “Every Job Faster,” and how the company is investing in the next generation of manufacturing professionals. From artificial intelligence and workforce development to the future of American manufacturing, Michael shares why he believes we’re experiencing the next industrial revolution. The episode also highlights a simple leadership philosophy: getting just 1% better every day. Join us for a conversation about the people, technology, and opportunities shaping the future of manufacturing. Guest: Michael Huggett, President and CEO, INDEX Corporation Host: David Turner, Rapid Fire Manufacturing Learn more about INDEX: https://www.index-group.com Follow Rapid Fire Manufacturing for more conversations with the people driving our industry forward.

  3. Sep 9

    Inside Mazak with Jeff Starzec: CNC, Engineering & the People Behind Manufacturing

    What does it take to build a career in modern manufacturing? David Turner sits down with Jeff Starzec of Mazak North America for a conversation about CNC machining, mechanical engineering, machine tools, multitasking technology, workforce development, and the people behind American manufacturing. Jeff shares his journey from technical drafting and hands-on machine shop experience to automotive engineering and ultimately a 19-year career with Mazak. They discuss how Mazak invested in Jeff through hands-on factory training, how sales engineering turns customer challenges into manufacturing solutions, and why safety is always the first question when developing an application. Jeff also explains how Mazak multitasking machines can combine turning and milling operations, helping manufacturers reduce setups, fixturing, part handling, and improve overall efficiency. The conversation goes beyond technology. David and Jeff discuss co-op programs, developing the next generation of manufacturing talent, family-owned machine shops, the American Dream, and the simple qualities that can separate people throughout their careers: work ethic, integrity, reliability, and honesty. They also tackle one of manufacturing’s biggest challenges: most people have no idea how much CNC machining impacts the products they use every day, from automotive and electronics to medical devices and defense. If you’re interested in CNC machining, Mazak machine tools, manufacturing engineering, automation, workforce development, sales engineering, or careers in manufacturing, this episode of Rapid Fire Manufacturing is for you.

  4. Aug 14

    90 Years of Machine Tool Innovation: 5-Axis Evolution and Culture with Yuto Matsuura

    What does it take for a machine tool builder to thrive across four generations and ninety years in business? In this episode of Rapid Fire Manufacturing, Dave sits down with Yuto Matsuura of Matsuura Machinery Corporation to explore how family leadership, genuine hospitality, and bold engineering decisions shaped a global brand. Yuto shares the real stories behind Matsuura's major milestones, from pioneering vertical machining and introducing the iconic MAM72 multi-pallet 5-axis platform to opening up accessible 5-axis machining with the MX series. They discuss how family leadership adapted across generations, the realities of tackling today's skilled labor shortage through reliable automation, and why long-term machine support matters more than just making a sale. Plus, Yuto gives an inside look at his ten-year roadmap leading up to Matsuura's 100-year anniversary, including how he is breaking down organizational silos and what the industry can expect from them at IMTS.

  5. Jul 14

    Building a Skilled Workforce and Rising Through the Ranks with Markus Stolmar, CEO of United Grinding North America

    How do you advance your career when the management ladder looks completely blocked? In this episode of Rapid Fire Manufacturing, host Dave Turner sits down with Markus Stolmar, CEO and President of United Grinding North America, at their headquarters in Miamisburg, Ohio. Markus shares his 26 year journey from starting as a technical draftsman and product manager to leading the organization. He breaks down why running a small, overlooked product line like your own business is the ultimate way to catch the eye of executive leadership. Dave and Markus also tackle workforce development from a first-principles perspective. Markus details why United Grinding refused to wait around for external programs or government initiatives, choosing instead to build an active, German-style apprenticeship program that trains young adults fresh out of high school in foundational mechanics and CNC machining. Finally, they discuss the human side of leadership, focusing on why a successful leader must adapt their style to respect and meet the distinct realities of office engineers and veteran shop floor machinists alike. Stick around until the end to find out if Markus can take Andy Chu in an arm wrestling match at IMTS.

  6. Jun 26

    Military Aviation Principles for Shop Floor Leadership | Craig Coyle

    When Craig Coyle ran programs at an aerospace composites facility, he discovered a brutal truth: he wasn’t losing skilled technicians to rival manufacturing shops. He was losing them to Amazon and McDonald’s over fifty cents an hour. When people leave a technical trade for a retail job, it is never just about the money. It means the leadership failed to give them a reason to stay. In this episode of Rapid Fire Manufacturing, Craig joins me to strip down corporate leader development to first principles. We break down why the standard corporate approach to management is completely backwards, how a military mission statement actually functions as a task and a purpose rather than corporate fluff, and why quality, safety, and production are entirely downstream of workforce engagement. If you want to stop the revolving door of shop floor turnover, the answer isn’t a massive consulting budget. It is twenty minutes of unscheduled time in the trenches. Keywords: Manufacturing leadership, workforce engagement, employee retention, operational excellence, military leadership, shop floor management, aerospace manufacturing, front line leadership.

  7. Jun 19

    Violin Making to 5-Axis Machining with Andrew Henry

    From building custom violins to running a high-tech, 14,000 square foot 5-axis machine shop, Andrew Henry has never taken the conventional path. On this episode of Rapid Fire Manufacturing, we visit Henry Holsters in Spencer, Indiana. Andrew breaks down how he transitioned from classical instrument crafting to manufacturing tactical gear, starting with a small desktop router in 2014 and scaling to an automated facility with nearly 30 employees. We dive deep into: The Reality of Two Second Lean: Why building a 3D-printed jig to count parts is actually a failure of logic, and how a first-principles question eliminated the process entirely. The 500lb Deadlift Analogy: Why you cannot steal another shop's competitive advantage, and why micro-improvements are completely invisible to your competitors. Overcoming Friction on the Shop Floor: Shifting your culture from gritting your teeth through stupid processes to empowering your team to fix what bugs them. The Vulnerability of Standing Still: Why running a job the exact same way you did five years ago means you are leaving money on the table. Connect with Andrew on Instagram @HenryHolsters or catch him co-hosting the Lean Built Podcast.

  8. Jun 12

    He Went to Buy a Tool, and Bought the Entire Machine Shop: Gavin Giguere’s Leap to Launching REIGN Manufacturing

    What happens when your business plan collides with a massive, unexpected opportunity? You throw the script out the window and get to work. In this episode of Rapid Fire Manufacturing, host David Turner sits down with Gavin Giguere, founder and owner of REIGN Manufacturing in Springfield, Massachusetts. Gavin's journey into manufacturing started in his mom's driveway restoring trucks at 13, led him through trade school, and eventually saw him building out entire advanced manufacturing departments for industry giants like Smith & Wesson. When he finally decided to strike out on his own, a routine trip to buy a single piece of used equipment turned into a snap decision to buy out an entire closing machine shop. Gavin shares the chaotic, high-stakes story of moving nine machines, riggers, and an entire inspection department into his building in the exact same week his brand-new Okumas arrived. David and Gavin strip down the realities of running a modern shop floor, covering: The Power of Intraprenuership: How building a department from the ground up at Smith & Wesson gave Gavin the ultimate blueprint for business ownership. The First Check You Write: Why joining the National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA) was Gavin's absolute top priority on day two of his business, and how it drives his sales pipeline today. AI as an Employee: How a lean startup shop utilizes AI tools to handle administration, marketing, and programming optimization to stay ahead of the curve. Changing the Trade School Stigma: Why the industry needs to reach middle schoolers early to rebuild the manufacturing talent pipeline. Gavin is proof that real-world grit, adaptability, and a willingness to get comfortable being uncomfortable trump a rigid boardroom presentation every time.

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About

Rapid Fire Manufacturing on Spotify Welcome to Rapid Fire Manufacturing, the podcast where we spotlight the people, processes, and innovations driving the manufacturing industry forward. Hosted by David Turner, this show is all about quick, engaging conversations with industry leaders, machinists, and experts who make the manufacturing world turn. Each episode dives into topics like cutting-edge technology, workforce challenges, and the stories behind the tools and techniques shaping modern production.

Information

  • Creator
    RapidFireManufacturing
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    90
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © RapidFireManufacturing
  • Show Website
    Rapid Fire Manufacturing