Rapid Fire Manufacturing

RapidFireManufacturing
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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. FEB 25

    From Menards to Modular: Building a Reliable Path to Automation

    In this episode of Rapid Fire Manufacturing, I sit down with Eric Nekich, Business Development Director at Advanced Machine and Engineering. Eric shares his unique story of entering the industry in 2010 after selling building materials at Menards and how he applied that sales grit to the world of modular workholding. We get into the hard truth that you cannot automate an unreliable process. Eric explains why automation only amplifies what you already have, meaning if your process is "dumb," the robot will just make it dumber faster. We walk through the three step evolution of a modern shop: building a repeatable foundation, automating that proven workflow, and finally optimizing with adaptive controls to stop guessing on tool life. This conversation is a practical roadmap for anyone looking to scale, run lights out, or improve their shop’s rigidity and accessibility. We also discuss the power of mentorship and why staying teachable is the fastest way to move ahead in manufacturing.

    38 min

  2. FEB 18

    From Warships to Hybrid CNCs: The Evolution of Davenport Machine

    What does it take for a manufacturing company to thrive for over 130 years? In this episode of Rapid Fire Manufacturing, we head to Tylok in Cleveland to sit down with Ryan Bavineau of Davenport Machine, along with Scott Hahl and Julia Wasielewski, to discuss the intersection of industrial history and modern production. Ryan shares the incredible story of Davenport’s roots, from its founding in 1894 to the critical role its machines played on warships during World War II. But we also dig into why history alone isn’t enough to stay competitive in 2026. We discuss the reality of keeping a high-production shop running, the shift from the legendary Model B to the new Hybrid platform, and how Davenport is tackling the industry-wide skills gap. Julia and Scott share firsthand accounts of how Davenport’s unique support system—featuring a seven-minute average response time and QR-code-activated FaceTime troubleshooting—is changing the game for operators on the floor. In this episode, we cover: The strategic history of Rochester manufacturing and the Erie Canal. How a history major found a home in the world of multi-spindle automatics. The transition from Acme Gridley machines to modern Hybrid solutions. The importance of hands-on training and free monthly classes in Rochester. Building a proactive "knowledge center" through real-world customer feedback. Whether you are a shop owner looking to reduce downtime or a manufacturing enthusiast interested in the heritage of American machining, this conversation offers a deep dive into what it means to build a lasting partnership in the industry.

    22 min

  3. FEB 12

    The CNC Repairman: Why You Pay to Train or Pay for the Lack of It with Aaron Morrill

    In this episode of Rapid Fire Manufacturing, I sit down with Aaron Morrill, the CNC Repairman, to discuss the reality of machine tool service in today’s industry. Aaron grew up in the shop and finished nearly 100 machine installs before he was even 16 years old. We dive into why a failed service call is often a symptom of a larger training problem rather than a technician issue. As I said during the show, how you do anything is how you do everything. If you aren’t passionate about the small details, you probably won't be passionate about your spindles. We also explore the shift toward multi axis technology, the pre-call checklist that saves shops money, and what it really takes to move from an OEM role to running your own service business. Aaron is as authentic as they come and is dedicated to keeping American manufacturing running. Aaron Morrill didn’t just join the manufacturing industry; he was raised in it. Known to many as the CNC Repairman, Aaron’s story is incredible when you think about what it means to grow up in the trades. By age 15, he had already finished nearly 100 machine installs while traveling with his father. We spent this episode talking about the critical need for better training in the service world. When a shop is down and a technician is stumped, it is rarely a reflection of the person on the floor. It is usually a reflection of the training and support systems behind them. Key topics we covered include: The transition from manual machines to complex multi axis technology. Why the next generation of technicians is finding their spark through online platforms. The specific pre-call checklist every shop should use to save time and money. Advice for technicians considering the jump to independent business ownership. The mindset of passion: why how you do anything is how you do everything. Aaron provides a raw look at the service side of the business and shares why the indus Podcast Show Notes / Write Up

    28 min

  4. FEB 5

    Medical Manufacturing and Orthopedic Innovation with Bradley Emerick at MicroPulse

    Medical manufacturing is about more than machines. It’s about people, trust, and outcomes that change lives. In this episode of Rapid Fire Manufacturing, we sit down with Bradley Emerick at MicroPulse and RMP to talk about growing up in manufacturing, building vertically integrated medical operations, and creating products that restore mobility and improve quality of life. Bradley shares his unique journey into manufacturing, from being raised around the MicroPulse shop his father founded to earning a biomedical engineering degree from Rose Hulman and working in the orthopedic OEM world. That combination of engineering education and real world manufacturing experience shapes how MicroPulse and RMP operate today. We dive into orthopedic manufacturing, medical implants, and the real impact of revision surgeries that give patients their mobility back. Bradley explains how advances like cementless implantation, porous coatings, and 3D printed titanium are helping the body accept implants more naturally and last longer. The conversation also covers vertical integration, from machining and automation to sterile packaging and UHMW polymer processing. Bradley explains how listening to customers, empowering skilled teams, and continuously adding capability over decades has allowed MicroPulse and RMP to become trusted medical manufacturing partners. Topics covered in this episode include • Medical and orthopedic manufacturing • Biomedical engineering and product development • Vertical integration in medical manufacturing • Lean manufacturing and shop culture • Implant technology and motion preservation • Building teams that learn and innovate This episode offers a behind the scenes look at how medical manufacturing evolves when people, process, and purpose stay aligned.

    21 min

  5. JAN 28

    Medical Prototyping Done Right | Michael Bowland of B&H Precision Machining

    Medical prototyping is where ideas either stall out or move forward fast. In this episode of Rapid Fire Manufacturing, we sit down with Michael Bowland, owner of B&H Precision Machining, to talk about building a medical focused machine shop centered on prototyping, collaboration, and execution. Michael shares his journey starting in manufacturing at 15, learning the trade from the ground up, and gaining hands on experience across machining, programming, and operations. That foundation led him to launch B&H Precision Machining, a shop focused on supporting medical customers with prototype and early stage machining. We dive into why medical prototyping is often overlooked by larger shops, how B&H fills that gap, and what it takes to support engineers working through complex designs and tight timelines. Michael also talks about working directly with engineering teams to improve manufacturability, reduce unnecessary cost, and help medical devices move closer to validation and production. Topics covered in this episode include • Medical prototyping and early stage machining • ISO 13485 and medical manufacturing standards • Design for manufacturability in medical devices • Building long term customer relationships • Growing a machine shop based on customer demand If you’re involved in medical manufacturing, product development, or precision machining, this episode offers a real look at what it takes to deliver reliable medical prototypes that customers can trust.

    9 min

  6. JAN 21

    How Manufacturing Startups Are Shaping the Future

    Filmed on a real shop floor in the middle of winter, this episode features a raw conversation about manufacturing with machines screaming in the background. The audio has been cleaned up, but the setting is real and unfiltered. You’ll hear a story about growing up in manufacturing, not fully understanding its importance, and later realizing how critical it is to the industrial capacity of the country. We cover why repeat customers matter, how strong relationships create consistent business, and the challenge of scaling without losing what made you successful. We also discuss how software and systems can help maintain speed and competitive pricing as a company grows. The conversation shifts toward the end to manufacturing startups in America and why watching what they are doing can be a powerful way to learn and see where the industry is headed.

    17 min

  7. JAN 14

    Building a Machine Shop from Zero with Garrett Wolfford

    Starting a machine shop is not freedom.It is sacrifice, responsibility, and learning how to survive before you thrive. In this episode of Rapid Fire Manufacturing, I sit down in Chattanooga, Tennessee with Garrett Wolford, owner and president of Elemental Design and Machinery. Garrett shares what it really takes to start a shop from scratch: Why NDAs force you to build a brand without showing parts How Elemental was intentionally named using SEO and long-term thinking The reality of cash flow and why shop owners must learn to “be a bank” Starting with zero customers and going door to door Burning the ships and betting on culture from day one This conversation is honest, gritty, and real.If you are thinking about starting a shop or already in the trenches, this one will hit home.

    28 min

  8. 12/23/2025

    Culture Over Spreadsheets | Mark Hillenburg on Building Manufacturing Businesses That Last

    In this episode of Rapid Fire Manufacturing, I sit down with Mark Hillenburg, co-founder of Collective Manufacturing Group. Mark’s manufacturing journey started the hard way. A garage. Manual machines. A Bridgeport mill. Learning firsthand how difficult machining really is. Since then, he’s been a machinist, a CEO, and now a long-term owner focused on building manufacturing businesses meant to last decades, not flip in a few years. We talk about: Why culture matters more than spreadsheets What real leadership looks like on the shop floor How vulnerability builds trust in manufacturing teams Succession, stewardship, and long-term thinking The question every leader should ask: Would I want my kids to work here? This is an honest conversation about people, leadership, and creating environments where manufacturing can thrive for generations.

    26 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

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
    78
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © RapidFireManufacturing
  • Show Website
    Rapid Fire Manufacturing