Rapid Fire Manufacturing

Recently, on Rapid Fire Manufacturing, I had the privilege of speaking with Ron Sizer. With over 20 years of CNC machining experience in aerospace, medical, and defense, Ron is now the Project Director of Advanced Manufacturing at the Community College of Philadelphia. He’s dedicating his career to building the next generation of machinists, welders, and electromechanical experts. His passion is obvious, and he’s shaping the future of manufacturing one student at a time. Here are some key takeaways from our conversation: Mindset for Modern Manufacturing Ron emphasized the need to adapt to the evolving world of automation. It is not about replacing people, but about growing with the technology. He said, “The world is moving forward and waiting for you to jump into the game. Once you realize you belong, it can take you far.” Building Confidence Through Training Ron’s program takes students with no experience and builds their skills step by step. They start with safety, move into math and measuring, and progress through manual machining before advancing to CNC. He described it as a journey of gaining confidence at every stage. Breaking Down Barriers Ron shared how manufacturing can provide real opportunities for anyone willing to learn. His program focuses on creating accessible pathways for students to gain skills without the financial burden of traditional education. He explained, “With no tuition, job placement support, and immediate earning potential, we are showing people that the trades are a viable and rewarding option.” The Role of Industry Professionals Ron emphasized that industry professionals can help by spreading the word about careers in manufacturing. Whether it is connecting students with training programs or encouraging businesses to invest in entry-level talent, the collective effort can make a big difference. “We all have a role to play in building the future workforce,” he said. Ron’s work is a powerful example of how manufacturing can create life-changing opportunities. For those of us in the industry, it’s up to us to share these stories and help bring more people into the skilled trades. #Manufacturing #CNC #SkilledTrades #FutureOfWork #ThankAMachinist #ThankAnEngineer #RapidFireManufacturing David Turner The School District of Philadelphia

I want to compile some knowledge for the next generation of the workforce. To my manufacturing peeps: If you could restart your career, what's one process you'd learn first that you believe would have the greatest impact? Maybe it's a specific manufacturing process, a leadership approach, or a mindset shift that would've saved time and energy. Just tagging the first people that come to mind, but would love to learn from anyone willing to participate! Joshua W. Ian Sandusky Meaghan Ziemba Mike Payne Nick Goellner Kirk Phelps Ben Carlson

Happy New Year, everyone. Since starting Rapid Fire Manufacturing in October, I’ve had the privilege of interviewing over 40 incredible people. What began as a vague idea, sparked by interactions at IMTS - International Manufacturing Technology Show, to connect with manufacturing leaders and share their stories has turned into something far greater than I ever imagined. It all started with Jim Mayer. His belief in what I was doing, along with his recommendations, set the wheels in motion. From there, I was introduced to Mike Payne, who connected me with Nick Goellner—a connection that didn’t just lead to great conversations but ultimately a career with Hennig and Advanced Machine & Engineering Co.. These interviews haven’t just been about learning; they’ve been about growing, building relationships, and seeing the ripple effect of people who genuinely want to help others succeed. Each person I’ve interviewed has taught me something new about manufacturing, leadership, and the power of collaboration. To Jim, Mike, Nick, Sam, Arthur, Joshua, Daniel, and the much longer list of people who have been part of this journey, thank you. I feel truly blessed for the opportunity to grow, learn, and now contribute even more to this incredible industry. If anyone out there is trying to do something new and uncomfortable, start small, stay curious, and trust the process. You never know which connection, conversation, or step will change everything. See you all in the new year year! Here is attempt number two with my cat, Binx. He refuses to accept that we are going into 2025. #Gratitude #RapidFireManufacturing #ManufacturingLeadership #CareerJourney #ThankAMachinist #ThankAnEngineer

This week on Rapid Fire Manufacturing, I sat down with Paul Van Metre, co-founder of ProShop ERP. Paul’s story is a great example of what happens when real-world experience meets a passion for solving problems. He took what he learned running a machine shop and turned it into a software solution that is making life easier for manufacturers everywhere. A few things stood out during our conversation: Teamwork at the Core ProShop was not built in isolation. It was shaped by the insights of machinists, inspectors, and shop floor teams. Paul emphasized that this was a team effort from day one, built to address the daily challenges of machine shops. The Push for Paperless Lost job travelers, outdated revisions, and time wasted searching for tools are problems ProShop set out to solve. Paul shared a story about a shop losing thousands of dollars remaking parts due to misplaced paperwork, something that is eliminated with a digital and connected system. Build the Right Foundation from Day One Paul shared a unique perspective on starting a machine shop. He recommends investing in an ERP system before the first machine even arrives. By establishing efficient systems from the beginning, you create a foundation that supports growth instead of fighting inefficiencies later. As Paul put it, “It is much harder to rebuild the foundation once the house is already standing.” Quality Systems Build Confidence Paul stressed that having solid processes in place is not just about efficiency. It is a selling point. Customers trust companies that can show they will deliver on time every time because of systems, not just hard work. Paul’s respect for machinists was clear throughout. As he put it, “Nothing in the world would exist without machinists.” That is a perspective we all should remember. Thank you, Paul, for sharing your insights. To all the machinists out there, this one is for you. #RapidFireManufacturing #ProShopERP #ThankAMachinist #ThankAnEngineer #Manufacturing #MachineShops MakingChips David Turner Manufacturing Transformed Machine Shop Mastery

What an incredible conversation with Demi Knight Clark on RFM. Demi has done it all—leading divisions, founding a nonprofit for women in trades, and championing diversity in manufacturing. She is driving change where it matters most. Here are some of the insights she unpacked: Why manufacturing needs to reclaim its place in the STEM spotlight. How to recruit diverse talent by meeting people where they are. Why listening and servant leadership open the door for innovation. Practical ways to reach the next generation of trade professionals. Demi’s vision for connecting STEM organizations and untapped communities like women’s sports is next level. Her ability to see what’s possible and inspire action is exactly what our industry needs right now. Thank you, Demi, for being a true force for progress. Conversations like this remind me why I love highlighting leaders who make a real difference. #RapidFireManufacturing #ThankAMachinist #ThankAnEngineer #ManufacturingLeadership #WomenInTrades #DiversityInSTEM #WorkforceDevelopment #FutureOfManufacturing David Turner

In this week’s episode, I had the chance to sit down with Jake Hall, aka The Manufacturing Millennial. Jake’s built a reputation by spotlighting how automation and technology are reshaping the manufacturing industry, and he’s inspiring the next generation to jump in and lead the charge. We dove into cultural shifts needed for tech adoption, like embracing the “YouTube learner” mindset, where knowledge is a click away. Jake explained how younger professionals are solving problems faster by leveraging digital tools and innovative thinking. One standout takeaway? Start small with automation. Jake shared that before building the “treehouse” of advanced systems, manufacturers should focus on “birdhouse” wins—simple, scalable solutions that create momentum. For smaller companies, Jake emphasized the importance of leveraging local resources like Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) grants to kickstart their tech journey. And as automation costs drop and tools like AI vision systems become more accessible, the opportunities for transformation are endless. Key message: Begin with what’s achievable, learn from those wins, and let data drive your next steps. #RapidFireManufacturing #ThankAnEngineer #ThankAMachinist #Automation #Innovation #Leadership David Turner

Had another great conversation with Meaghan Ziemba from Mavens of Manufacturing for Rapid Fire Manufacturing. This one went over the 15-minute mark, making it my first full-length video on YouTube. Meaghan brought so much energy, knowledge, and passion to the table. Here are some highlights: The importance of storytelling in manufacturing: Meaghan believes stories connect us. Whether it’s a company sharing its history or a leader talking about their journey, storytelling helps humanize the industry and build meaningful connections between teams, customers, and communities. How representation is driving change for women in the industry: Meaghan shared how seeing others who look like you or share your experiences can be a game-changer. She’s on a mission to make manufacturing more inclusive and show women that this industry has a place for them. Creative ways to inspire the next generation of talent: From mentoring and sponsoring robotics teams to hosting community events, Meaghan shared practical ideas that manufacturers can use to engage students and families, spark curiosity, and attract future talent. If you're in manufacturing or interested in the future of this industry, this is a great one to watch. I will share the link once it's live. #Manufacturing #ThankAMachinist #ThankAnEngineer #RapidFireManufacturing #Storytelling David Turner

Recently, I spoke with Kirk Phelps, Regional GM overseeing five machine shops. Kirk’s career spans aerospace, automotive, and robotics, starting as a manual machinist and growing into a leadership role. One of Kirk’s key insights: Leadership is not one size fits all. Different teams require different approaches. Knowing your people and understanding what motivates them is essential. “Some may need a push, while others will walk out if you lead that way. It is all about adjusting to the individual and the team.” Another powerful takeaway: Mistakes are invaluable learning tools. Kirk explained how letting employees solve problems, even if it means some errors along the way, fosters growth and builds critical thinking. “You might scrap a part or crash a machine, but those are the lessons you never forget and everyone can learn from them.” Kirk’s emphasis on mentorship, collaboration, and fostering trust highlights why leadership in manufacturing is about much more than productivity. It is about empowering people. What is a leadership lesson you have learned in manufacturing or beyond? #RapidFireManufacturing #ThankAMachinist #ManufacturingLeadership #Mentorship David Turner

Sat down with Benjamin Walls, Vice President at Bearings Manufacturing Company, to hear about his journey from the shop floor to leadership over the past 23 years. Ben shared the challenges of bringing in and training new talent as experienced workers retire, emphasizing the importance of preserving their knowledge. He explained how mentorship and cross-training have helped his team stay adaptable and strong. We also talked about how Bearings Manufacturing connects employees' personal interests, like renewable energy and automotive, to their work, making it more meaningful. Ben highlighted their focus on providing solutions and education for customers, moving beyond the traditional sales approach. Ben’s story shows that investing in people and building a strong culture is key to keeping manufacturing moving forward. Check out the episode below! #RapidFireManufacturing #ThankAMachinist #ManufacturingMatters #WorkforceDevelopment #PrecisionManufacturing #MentorshipMatters #InnovateAndInspire #MadeInAmerica #ManufacturingExcellence

Agility is a crucial element in manufacturing, but it's not the only factor that drives success. In the latest Rapid Fire Manufacturing episode, I talked with Austin Walker, VP of Operations at Veryable, about on-demand labor and how it’s reshaping the manufacturing world. Austin had some great insights on adapting to fluctuating demand by building a flexible, skilled labor pool that supports your core team. Here's a key takeaway: "Demand is never constant. Companies need a smart approach to labor that builds both agility and efficiency." It’s all about being intentional, finding those bottlenecks and using the right resources exactly where they’re needed. In a world where demand keeps shifting, relying only on fixed labor or overtime just won't cut it. You need real flexibility to meet those challenges head-on. Big thanks to Austin for joining me! If you're interested in more ideas on managing workforce challenges, catch the episode. More great leaders are on the way! #Manufacturing #OnDemandLabor #OperationalEfficiency #RapidFireManufacturing #IndustryLeaders #ThankAMachinist David Turner