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. 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

  2. 12/17/2025

    How Lyndsey Vickers Turned Machine Tools Into a Media Career

    In this episode of Rapid Fire Manufacturing, I sit down with Lyndsey Vickers from MTDCNC. We talk about how she went from chasing a media career to learning machine tools up close through cold calling, applications teams, and real shop life. Lyndsey breaks down why the best shop stories always come from people, how to get someone comfortable on camera, and why you cannot overthink content if you want to grow. We also get into bridging manufacturing across countries through social media, why automation is the trend more shops need to embrace, and what great leaders do differently in the shops she has visited around the world.00:00 Introduction to Lindsay Vickers and Her Journey 04:52 Transitioning from Media to Manufacturing 10:02 The Importance of People in Manufacturing Stories 14:58 Bridging the Gap in Global Manufacturing 19:43 Embracing Automation in Manufacturing 24:50 Creating Content in the Manufacturing Space 25:10 Harnessing Technology for Personal Branding 27:11 The Importance of Authenticity in Storytelling 30:24 Traits of Exceptional Leaders in Manufacturing 34:21 Humorous Moments in Media 35:42 The Power of Organization in Small Shops 39:06 Creating an Attractive Workplace 41:50 Advice for the Next Generation in Manufacturing

    44 min

  3. 12/03/2025

    The Journey into Orthopedic Manufacturing with Travis Christman

    In this episode of Rapid Fire Manufacturing, David Turner sits down with Travis Christman, a United States Army veteran who built a remarkable career in the orthopedic manufacturing world. Travis shares how he went from growing up on a small farm to studying secondary education, to serving as an infantryman, to stepping into his first manufacturing role at Sony D A D C working on high speed holographic printers. That path eventually led him into orthopedic manufacturing, where he has spent the last fifteen years across multiple companies including Zimmer Biomet. Together, David and Travis explore: • The reality of working inside one of the most regulated manufacturing environments• Why relationships are the most powerful advantage in med device• How Indiana became one of the most important orthopedic ecosystems in the world• The story of a custom printed prosthetic that allowed a young girl to play the violin again• The mission of Priority Medical and how they support research and development, operations, quality, and product development• What to expect at the Made Here Manufacturing Showcase on December 18• Travis guiding advice for anyone entering manufacturing today From leadership to culture to product development to meaningful patient impact, this conversation shows why orthopedic manufacturing is one of the most inspiring corners of the industry. Watch the full interview and explore more episodes at Rapid Fire Manufacturing.

    19 min

  4. 11/22/2025

    From Sobriety to Mayhem Machine: The Story of Matt Sissom

    In this Rapid Fire Manufacturing episode, Matt Sissom shares the raw and honest story behind Mayhem Machine.He walked away from alcohol in January 2021, stepped into the unknown, and turned a single water jet into one of the most trusted small shops in the Southeast. We talk about: his sobriety journey starting a business during a shutdown surviving eighteen hour days why most machinists avoid water jets growing a shop from one machine to a full operation what he wishes he knew earlier This conversation blends manufacturing, discipline, comeback stories, and the mindset required to build something from scratch. Perfect for machinists, manufacturing leaders, engineers, shop owners, and anyone fighting for a second chance. manufacturing, machining, sobriety, addiction recovery, machine shop story, cnc machining, water jet cutting, entrepreneur story, shop owner interview, life change, discipline, manufacturing podcast, rapid fire manufacturing, precision machining, mayhem machine

    38 min

  5. 11/14/2025

    Inside Jergens Inc with Matt Schron: Workholding, Automation, and the Next Generation

    Matt Schron joins Rapid Fire Manufacturing for a powerful conversation on leadership, legacy, and the next chapter of American manufacturing. Jergens began in 1942 with rationed steel and a mission to support the war effort. Today they are shaping the future of workholding, machine tending, and lights out machining. Matt shares his journey as a fourth generation leader, the pressure that comes with it, and the mindset that helped him earn his place. We talk quick change, higher mix and lower volume, automation trends, and why the shops that adapt the fastest are the ones that win. The full episode also dives into Jergens programs for special needs students, second chance hiring, and the real meaning of work life integration inside a modern manufacturing company. If you want an honest, grounded look at what is happening on the shop floor and inside the leadership office, this episode will hit you.

    24 min

  6. 11/07/2025

    The Future of Manufacturing Leadership: Ashley Watkins on People, Presence, and Purpose

    In this episode of Rapid Fire Manufacturing, David Turner sits down with Ashley Watkins, Sales and Marketing Manager at JBM Technologies, to talk about what modern leadership in manufacturing really looks like. Ashley grew up in the family business, surrounded by machines, customers, and community. Today she’s using her voice to help more women step into leadership roles, build stronger networks, and show the next generation what’s possible. From joining Women in Manufacturing to building her personal brand across LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok, Ashley shares how authenticity and consistency can reshape perception in a traditionally male-dominated industry. They discuss:• Why “people buy from people” is more than a catchphrase• How social media can drive real business outcomes• The importance of mentorship and community in manufacturing• Ways to bring more diversity and visibility to the shop floor It’s a conversation about grit, growth, and the next wave of manufacturing leaders who are unafraid to be seen, both online and on the floor. 00:00 Introduction to Ashley Watkins and JBM Technologies 02:12 Ashley’s Journey in Manufacturing 04:54 Women in Manufacturing: Building Networks 07:48 The Impact of Personal Branding 10:21 The Role of AI in Marketing 13:14 Advice for Newcomers in the Industry Keywords manufacturing leadership, women in manufacturing, JBM Technologies, Ashley Watkins, manufacturing careers, manufacturing marketing, personal branding, manufacturing community, modern manufacturing, manufacturing podcast, David Turner, Rapid Fire Manufacturing, leadership development, industrial sales, manufacturing inspiration, social media in manufacturing, shop floor stories 🔍 Keywords (for SEO and RSS metadata)

    15 min

  7. 11/02/2025

    Sustainable Manufacturing with Tim Ridderbos: Profit, Purpose, and People

    In this episode of Rapid Fire Manufacturing, David Turner sits down with Tim Ridderbos, Vice President of Circular Business Development at Shapiro Metals, to explore the future of sustainable manufacturing. Tim shares his journey from swinging hammers in construction to leading circular business initiatives that help manufacturers recover materials and drive profit with purpose. He explains how recycling is shifting from “scrap” to recycled materials, why culture and training matter on the shop floor, and how innovation and process improvement are reshaping manufacturing across aerospace, defense, and industrial markets. This conversation dives into the business case for sustainability, the importance of employee engagement, and how every manufacturer can find hidden value in what’s leaving the back door. 00:00 Introduction to Sustainable Manufacturing 05:02 The Journey into Manufacturing 10:16 The Mission Behind Recycling 16:51 Innovations in Recycling Technology 21:04 The Future of Recycled Materials

    23 min

  8. 10/31/2025

    nside the Future of Manufacturing: Education, Culture, and Innovation with Ethan Weiss

    keywords manufacturing, workforce development, education, culture, innovation, mentorship, CNC machining, aerospace, medical, robotics summary In this conversation, Ethan Weiss shares his unconventional journey into the manufacturing industry, highlighting the importance of education, workforce development, and the role of culture in training. He discusses the future of manufacturing, including trends in innovation and technology, and emphasizes the value of mentorship for newcomers. The discussion also explores various industries within manufacturing, such as aerospace and medical, and the significance of being open to learning and adapting in a rapidly changing environment. takeaways Ethan's background in manufacturing is unconventional, starting from photography to CNC machining. Education and training are crucial for developing a skilled workforce in manufacturing. Cultural aspects of a company can significantly impact employee training and development. The manufacturing industry is evolving rapidly with advancements in technology and innovation. Understanding the entire manufacturing process enhances job efficiency and purpose. Hands-on experience is essential for engineering students to prepare for the workforce. Mentorship plays a vital role in personal and professional development in manufacturing. Curiosity and self-directed learning are key for success in the industry. The future of manufacturing will see more automation and niche service providers. Sharing stories within the industry can attract new talent and foster community. Sound Bites "I think the workforce is there." "It's vital to have mentorship." "It's great what you're doing." Chapters 00:00 Ethan Weiss: A Unique Journey into Manufacturing 03:47 The Importance of Education and Workforce Development 08:28 Culture and Training in Manufacturing 12:04 The Future of Manufacturing: Trends and Innovations 15:42 Exploring Different Industries in Manufacturing 21:08 Advice for Newcomers: Embracing Curiosity and Learning 25:10 The Value of Mentorship in Manufacturing

    29 min
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Ratings & Reviews

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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
    2K
  • Episodes
    71
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © RapidFireManufacturing
  • Show Website
    Rapid Fire Manufacturing

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