my TRUE POSITION
Manufacturing professionals get actionable insights on high-level issues of running a small to mid-sized manufacturing company. Hosted by Jim Carr, a second-generation business owner, each episode delivers practical advice in an easy-to-digest format of about 20 minutes.
Episodes
Culture Has a Dashboard Too
Manufacturers track almost everything — sales, backlog, delivery, quality, scrap, margin, and cash. But are they tracking culture? In this episode of My TRUE POSITION, Jim Carr talks about the value of anonymous employee surveys and why they can become one of the most important leadership tools inside a manufacturing company. At CARR Machine & Tool, employee surveys have become a way to identify t
Your New Administrative Assistant Is Already Here
AI does not have to be complicated to be useful. In this episode of My TRUE POSITION, Jim Carr talks about his recent experience using an AI Chrome browser extension that works inside the tools he already uses — Gmail, Google Suite, Sheets, QBO, HubSpot, ProShop ERP, and other browser-based business systems. The big realization: AI is no longer just a search box or a novelty tool. It is becoming a
The Customer You Should Have Fired Two Years Ago
In this episode of My TRUE POSITION, Jim Carr breaks down the hard truth about bad customers — the ones who fight price, push delivery, challenge quality, pay late, consume your team, clog your schedule, and still expect priority treatment. Jim explains why bad customers are not just a sales problem. They are an operational contaminant. They drain leadership bandwidth, hurt morale, pressure margin
Don't Build Yesterday's Job Shop
In this episode of My TRUE POSITION, Jim breaks down exactly what he would do differently if he were starting from scratch in today's manufacturing environment. The old model was simple: buy a machine, chase work, quote cheap, work hard, and figure it out. But today, skill and hustle are not enough. Modern manufacturing requires systems, quality discipline, inspection capability, quoting accuracy,
Pick Up The Damn Phone!
Sometimes the best sales strategy is not a new campaign, a new consultant, or a complicated marketing funnel. Sometimes it is calling people who already know you. In this episode of My TRUE POSITION, Jim Carr shares a recent sales epiphany from CARR Machine & Tool: he started calling inactive customers, and the response was immediate. About 80 percent responded, and many said they were swamped and
Quoting Is NOT Machining the Part
Quoting machined parts is one of the most important and misunderstood functions inside a machine shop. In this episode of My TRUE POSITION, Jim Carr breaks down what really goes into building a disciplined quote — from material, finishing, tooling, outside services, hardware, scrap, shipping, planning, programming, setup, inspection, automation assumptions, DLH rates, overhead, and profit markup.
The Best Manufacturing Classroom Isn't a Classroom
IMTS 2026 is coming back to Chicago, and Jim Carr believes manufacturing leaders should do more than just attend. They should bring their teams. In this episode of My TRUE POSITION, Jim explains why IMTS is one of the most valuable team development opportunities in manufacturing. With more than 86,000 people, 1,800 exhibitors, 10 technology sectors, and over 1.2 million square feet of manufacturin
Be Careful When Giving a Friend a Purchase Order
Doing business with friends can be rewarding — but it can also get complicated fast. In this episode of My TRUE POSITION, Jim Carr shares personal lessons from decades in manufacturing about the risks of mixing friendship with purchase orders, subcontracting, tooling, consulting, and supplier relationships. The hard truth: good people can still be bad business partners. Jim talks about why expecta
CMMC Is Paused: The Hackers AREN'T
Manufacturing has become the number-one industry targeted by cyberattackers, accounting for 27.7% of the incidents investigated by IBM X-Force in 2025. manufacturers such attractive targets? It comes down to production downtime, valuable customer intellectual property, aging technology and our position inside increasingly connected global supply chains. In this episode of My TRUE POSITION, Jim Car
The Backlog Is REAL: So Is the Bottleneck
A big backlog feels great — until you realize backlog doesn't ship itself. In this episode, I break down the hard reality behind today's aerospace and defense demand. The orders may be real. The opportunities may be real. But so are the constraints: labor, material, inspection, outside processing, cash flow, supplier delays, machine uptime, and leadership capacity. This is not a negative episode.
CMMC Hit the Brakes...Because the Arsenal Can't Wait!
The government just suspended CMMC Phase II—and the reason goes far beyond cybersecurity. With defense inventories under replenishment pressure, aerospace backlogs at historic levels, and qualified manufacturing capacity already constrained, Washington finally recognized that six-figure certification costs and overwhelming documentation requirements were pushing capable small manufacturers out of
No One Wants to Work Overtime: Now What?
Manufacturing owners love to say nobody wants to work overtime anymore. But maybe the better question is: why did we build businesses that depend on it? In this episode, I dig into the new overtime reality facing machine shops and manufacturers. The workforce has changed. People want their nights, weekends, and family time back. But customers still want shorter lead times, faster delivery, and fla
The Machines Are Here! The People Aren't.
Chicago has spent billions building the future of manufacturing and logistics — rail yards, airport cargo systems, automation, robotics, smart factories, and advanced equipment. But here's the hard truth: machines don't create capacity by themselves. People do. In this episode, I break down the workforce crisis hiding behind the automation boom. We don't just need more technology — we need the tec
The Family Business Survival Guide
Most family businesses don't fail because they run out of money. They fail because they run out of leadership, communication, trust, and a real succession plan. In this episode, I break down why some family businesses survive for generations while others collapse the minute the founder steps away. We'll talk about entitlement, founder dependency, hard conversations, next-generation leadership, and
The Best Business Education I Never Paid For
What if the most valuable business lessons you'll ever learn don't come from a college classroom, a consultant, or an MBA program? Over the last ten years, I've had the privilege of sitting behind a microphone and interviewing hundreds of CEOs, entrepreneurs, shop owners, engineers, and manufacturing leaders. What started as a podcast turned into something far more valuable—a front-row seat to the
The Defense Manufacturing Boom Is Coming: Are You Ready?
Defense spending is rising. Aerospace production is accelerating. Munitions demand is growing. And behind the scenes, manufacturers are preparing for what could become one of the biggest opportunities in decades. In this episode of My TRUE POSITION, Jim Carr shares what he's seeing firsthand from the front lines of aerospace and defense manufacturing. He discusses why some shops will be positioned
A Young Engineer Asked Me for 3 Pieces of Advice: Here Are Ten!
A young mechanical engineering student named Jake Masters reached out to me on LinkedIn asking for advice before stepping into his family's 70-year-old CNC manufacturing business. That message inspired this episode. In this solo episode of My TRUE POSITION, Jim Carr shares 10 hard-earned lessons about leadership, failure, culture, cash flow, technology, and what it really takes to survive in preci
MRP Is Broken: How Modern Shops Are Rebuilding Their Tech Stack
In this episode, Jim Carr sits down with Lorin Shamos from First Resonance to break down why traditional ERP and MRP systems are falling behind—and what a modern "Factory Operating System" actually looks like. From real-time scheduling and material planning to execution, traceability, and automation, this conversation dives into how advanced manufacturers are replacing spreadsheets and firefightin
When Failure Isn't an Option: Inside High-Reliability Manufacturing
Not all manufacturing is created equal. Some parts can fail. Others can't. In this episode, Jim Carr sits down with Errick Egeland from The Lee Company to explore what it takes to manufacture miniature, high-reliability fluid control components used in aerospace, medical, defense, and space applications. From precision flow control to extreme repeatability, this conversation dives into the discipl
Space Junk, Collisions, and Control: Who's Managing the Chaos in Orbit?
Space isn't just about launching satellites anymore—it's about maintaining them, inspecting them, and eventually removing them. In this episode, Jim Carr sits down with Jeff Schloemer from Astroscale to break down the emerging world of in-orbit servicing and space logistics. From satellite inspection and life extension to debris removal and collision prevention, this conversation explores how spac
Rework Is Killing Your Margin: Here's How Top Shops Are Fixing It
Most shops aren't losing money on bad machining—they're losing it on bad execution. In this episode, Jim Carr sits down with Patrick Diggins from Aligned Vision to break down one of the biggest hidden problems in manufacturing: the gap between what engineering designs and what actually gets built on the shop floor. We're talking laser-guided assembly, AI-driven inspection, and real-time digital wo
Who Packed Your Parachute? When the Supply Chain Breaks—But the Mission Doesn't
What happens when a critical aerospace part disappears—but the mission doesn't? In this episode, Jim sits down with Sam Thevanayagam, CEO of Parts Life and DeVal Lifecycle Support, to unpack the hidden world of DMSMS, reverse engineering, and supply chain failure in aerospace and defense. We're talking about: Rebuilding parts with no data Solving obsolescence when OEMs walk away Keeping miss
Three Generations, One Exit: What It Really Takes to Sell a Machine Shop (Part Two)
In this continuation of Three Generations, One Exit, we move past the idea of selling and into the reality of doing it. The conversations get tougher, the stakes get higher, and the margin for error gets smaller. We unpack what really happens during the deal process—negotiations, diligence, second-guessing, and the pressure that builds when legacy, money, and identity all collide. This is the phas
Three Generations, One Exit: What It Really Takes to Sell a Machine Shop (Part 1)
This episode hits home. I sat down with a close friend—a third-generation machine shop owner—who took his family business all the way through a private equity exit. From the outside, it looks like a win… but behind the scenes, it was anything but simple. We get into the real story: the pressure, the complexity, the emotional weight of legacy, and what it actually takes to navigate a deal like this
Choosing the Wrong Automation Partner: A Shop Floor Story (Part 2)
Automation didn't fail us—the wrong partner did. In Part 2 of this two-part series, Jim Carr and Ryan Carr finish the story behind a CNC automation retrofit that went off the rails—and get into what really matters: the lessons. This is where they break down what it actually cost, what they would do differently, and how to properly vet an automation company before you hand over your time, money, an
Choosing the Wrong Automation Partner: A Shop Floor Story (Part 1)
Automation is supposed to make your shop faster, leaner, and more profitable. But what happens when the company you trust to retrofit your CNC turns out to be the wrong partner? In this episode, Jim Carr sits down with Ryan Carr for the first of many co-hosted conversations on My TRUE POSITION. They unpack the real story behind a CNC automation retrofit that didn't go the way it was supposed to. W
The Changing Landscape of Manufacturing
After 4+ decades in manufacturing, I've seen this industry transform in ways most people never imagined. When I started, shops were running manual mills and engine lathes. Programming meant doing math with a pencil. CAD/CAM didn't exist. Automation was rare. And the idea of AI helping optimize manufacturing would've sounded like science fiction. Today we're running five-axis machines, automation c
Manufacturing Sales Isn't What It Used to Be
There was a time when machine shops could sit back and wait for RFQs to land in the inbox. If you ran a solid shop, the work showed up. That world is changing fast. In this episode of My TRUE POSITION, I talk about the new reality of sales in manufacturing—prospecting tools like Apollo, using HubSpot to track opportunities, writing emails that actually get read, making phone calls that build relat
If I Sold the Business Tomorrow…
What would happen if I sold the business tomorrow? Not the valuation. Not the multiple. Not the wire transfer. What would I regret? In this episode, I take a hard look at ownership beyond the balance sheet. After decades in a second-generation aerospace machine shop — through downturns, reinvention, leadership transitions, and strategic pivots — I ask the question most owners avoid: Did I build so
Your 3 Uniques: The Difference Between a Commodity Shop and a Premium One
Most machine shops think they're unique. Most are wrong. In this episode, Jim breaks down the EOS concept of 3 Uniques and why they determine whether your shop competes on price… or commands a premium. If your differentiation sounds like "quality" and "on-time delivery," it's time for a strategic reset. Clarity drives margin. Let's define yours.
Executive Throughput: Why Your Health Drives Your EBITDA
Most C-suite leaders track every metric inside their business — margin, throughput, OEE, cash flow. But almost none of them track the performance of the one asset that drives all of it: THEMSELVES. In this episode of My TRUE POSITION, Jim Carr breaks down why executive health isn't a lifestyle choice — it's a leadership strategy. From sleep deprivation cutting cognitive performance by up to 30%, t
Digital Is Fast. Relationships Are Slow.
In this episode, Jim Carr breaks down why speed, tools, and constant updates don't build real relationships in manufacturing—especially in aerospace, where reliability, accountability, and early transparency matter more than responsiveness. This isn't about rejecting technology; it's about understanding when digital communication helps, when it hurts, and how operators build lasting trust with cus
If You're Not Obsessing Over Cash Flow, You're Already in Trouble
In this episode, Jim Carr breaks down how real small business owners actually keep the lights on—managing AR, AP, lines of credit, savings, and credit cards without a finance department. No theory. No spreadsheets for show. Just hard-earned cash discipline and the decisions that separate surviving from shutting down.
You Agreed to WHAT?! Flowdowns, AVLs, and the Silent Killers of Margin
Most manufacturing shops don't lose margin on the shop floor—they sign it away during contract review. In this episode, Jim Carr breaks down how customer flowdowns, quality clauses, and Approved Vendor Lists quietly redefine your risk profile the moment you accept a PO. We'll cover why contract review is an executive control point, why risk analysis must happen before production starts, and why yo
Leadership Through Empowerment
Most leaders say they want empowered teams. What they really want is compliance without pushback. That mindset is exactly why so many manufacturing businesses stall out. In this episode, Jim Carr breaks down what real empowerment actually looks like inside a manufacturing shop—where quality, delivery, and margin are on the line every day. This isn't soft leadership theory. It's about decision righ
Why I'm Back at the Table: The Real ROI of Networking and Board Service
I spent ten years active in industry boards, then disappeared for seven. Nothing broke—but nothing grew either. In this episode, Jim breaks down why serious leaders can't afford to sit out networking, what board service actually delivers, and how to choose the right rooms that create real leverage—not wasted time.
Simple Marketing Fixes Every Shop Owner Should Do Before 2026
If your marketing looks the same as it did last year, you're already behind. In this episode, Jim breaks down five simple, no-bullshit ways to clean up your marketing before 2026—from tightening your hero statement and elevator pitch to taking a hard look at your website data and SEO. No buzzwords. No hype. Just practical fixes every business owner can actually do.
GD&T Isn't Harder — Manufacturing Just Got Less Forgiving
GD&T didn't get harder — manufacturing got less forgiving. Thirty years ago, drawings were guidance and experience filled the gaps. Today, drawings are contracts, inspection is digital, and there's no gray area left. Same symbols. Whole different consequences. If you're still applying GD&T like it's 1995, you're not experienced — you're exposed.
End of 2025 Reflections: Five Decades of Precision, Perseverance, and Progress
As 2025 comes to a close, CARR Machine & Tool marks 53 years in aerospace manufacturing — spanning three generations and five decades of grit, reinvention, and precision. In this special episode, Jim Carr takes you decade-by-decade through the pivotal moments that shaped the company's evolution, from the manual-machine days of the '70s to the automation-driven transformation of today. It's raw ref
Fixing Toxic Culture: The Blueprint, the Metrics, and the Reality
In this episode, we get brutally honest about toxic culture — what causes it, what sustains it, and what it really takes to fix it. I'm breaking down the blueprint for rebuilding a healthy, high-performance culture using real metrics, real behaviors, and real leadership discipline. We'll talk core values, accountability, communication rhythms, and the no-nos that tank culture faster than any bad h
Calibration Frequency: How to Set It, Prove It, and Defend It
In this episode, we dig into one of the most misunderstood parts of any aerospace quality system: calibration frequency. I'm breaking down how to set intervals based on risk, usage, and real performance data — not tribal habits or 'because we've always done it that way.' You'll learn how to build a defensible calibration strategy, how to use verification checks to extend intervals safely, and how
Relocation Regrets: When a New Hire Becomes a $30,000 Mistake
Think hiring from out of state is the answer to your talent shortage? Think again. Between relocation costs, lost productivity, and cultural misfires, that "perfect" new hire could set you back thirty grand before they even hit stride. In this episode, I break down the real numbers — from why relocation is more common now than ever, to how to protect your company from costly mistakes. We'll talk h
Cut Chips, Not Profits: Managing Labor Like a Pro
Let's be real — the fastest way to torch your profit isn't a bad part or a missed deadline. It's when your labor starts running you instead of the other way around. In this episode of My TRUE POSITION, I'm breaking down the difference between direct and indirect labor — and why blurring that line could be quietly bleeding your margin dry. I'll walk through how to track it, what numbers to watch, a
When Branding Meets Blue Collar: Why Every Shop Needs a Marketing Engine
Most machine shops think marketing is fluff — that the work should speak for itself. But here's the truth: in 2025, if you're not telling your story, you don't exist. At CARR Machine & Tool, we built a marketing engine inside a machine shop — and it changed everything. From our website and brand standards to storytelling, SEO, and social, every piece of the marketing pie matters. It's not decorati
Five Years After COVID - Where Manufacturing Was, and Where We're At
It's been five years since COVID flipped manufacturing on its head. Back then, it was all about survival — keeping the doors open and the machines running. Today, labor's tight, rates are high, and margins are thin. But the shops that made it? They're smarter, leaner, and tougher than ever. In this episode, I'm breaking down how far we've come — from shutdowns and supply chain chaos to a new era o
TRACTION, Re-Engaged: How Leadership Discipline Drives Growth at CARR Machine
In 2018, we implemented TRACTION for the first time — and like most small teams, we were figuring it out as we went. Fast forward to today, and CARR Machine has evolved into a focused, disciplined organization led by four seasoned managers driving finance, technology, operations, and quality. This episode dives into what happens when experience meets structure — how re-committing to TRACTION broug
LinkedIn or Look-At-Me? How the World's Largest Job Network Lost Its Job
LinkedIn was built for professionals — a place to connect, learn, and grow careers. But somewhere along the way, it turned into a stage for personal branding and performance. In this episode, I dig into how the world's largest job network lost its focus — and how real professionals can bring substance and authenticity back to the feed.
From Day One to Year One: Building Loyalty Through Onboarding
The first two weeks on the job set the tone for everything that follows. At CARR, we've built a structured onboarding playbook — with 5-day, 30-day, 90-day, and 6-month check-ins leading into annual performance and compensation reviews. It's not paperwork, it's leadership in action. In this episode, I dig into why onboarding is a make-or-break moment, how we keep new hires engaged from day one to
Is This the End of the Family-Owned Machine Shop?
The family-owned machine shop — once the backbone of American manufacturing — is disappearing. Private equity is rolling up independents, succession is drying up, and the cost of staying competitive is through the roof. In this episode, I dig into how small, family-run shops evolved over the decades, the metrics driving consolidation, and why investors are buying us up. Is this truly the end of th
Signals of Success: How I Spot Future Talent in Manufacturing
Degrees don't impress me. GPAs don't build careers. The real signals that matter? Showing up, asking questions, taking pride in your work. In this episode of My TRUE POSITION, I lay out exactly how I spot future talent in machining—and what separates rockstars from dead weight. This is the hiring playbook nobody else will give you.
Forget the Tuition Trap: Pathways into Precision Manufacturing
College debt is crushing a generation—but there's another way. In this episode of My TRUE POSITION, I break down the real pathways into precision manufacturing—apprenticeships, certifications, and careers that pay while you learn. No tuition trap, no student loans—just a straight shot to six-figure potential.
The New Shop Class: Precision, Software, and Six-Figure Trajectories
Forget the grimy stereotype—this is aerospace-grade, software-driven manufacturing. In Part 1 of The New Shop Class, I pull back the curtain on clean, automated shops, real career mobility, and a culture built on precision and pride. If you're a parent, student, or counselor, this is your reality check—and your invite to see modern machining up close. Where precision meets leadership.
Book Deals or Bullshit? Exposing the Vanity Press Scam
Ever get that email saying, 'We want to offer you a book deal'? Yeah…bullshit. These aren't publishers—they're predators. They target business owners, shop leaders, and podcasters like you and me, flashing fake promises of instant authority while draining your wallet. In this episode, I rip the lid off the vanity press scam: how they work, how to spot the red flags, and what separates a real publi
Margins, Mistakes, and the Machines That Made Us
In this episode of My TRUE POSITION, Jim Carr by his CFO and business coach Dave Capkovitz, for a candid conversation about what it really takes to evolve a second-generation machine shop. They share the raw, behind-the-scenes truth of CARR Machine & Tool's transition from a traditional mom-and-pop operation into a high-value, high-production aerospace supplier. From cutting unprofitable work and
Artifact What? Why AS9100 Shops Need to Step Up Their Gage Game
In this episode of My TRUE POSITION, Jim Carr uncovers the real story behind artifact parts in Gage R&R studies. Too many shops are cutting corners when it comes to validating their measurement systems, and it's putting quality—and customer trust—at risk. Jim breaks down what artifact parts are, why they matter for AS9100-certified shops, and how to manufacture, manage, and apply them correctly. I
Leave of Absence or Exit Strategy?
Is that employee "taking time off"… or walking out quietly? In this episode, Jim Carr dissects the real motives behind employee leave. From legal obligations to return-to-work odds, he lays out the business math behind whether to hold the door open—or close it for good.
Private Equity Wants a Piece...But What Happens After the Check Clears?
PE firms are circling job shops like vultures — waving fat checks and buzzwords like "scale" and "efficiency." But what happens after the champagne dries up? In this episode, Jim Carr calls BS on the fairy tale. From hidden costs and control loss to culture-killing org charts, he breaks down what selling really means for you, your team, and your legacy.
Smart Specs, Dumb Risk: Ray-Ban Meta vs. ITAR Reality
What happens when AI-powered Ray-Ban glasses stroll onto your ITAR-regulated shop floor? In this episode of My TRUE POSITION, I unpack how one slick-looking gadget could blow a hole in your compliance, expose your customer's IP, and turn your machine shop into a liability overnight. From real-world risks to hardline strategies, I'm calling this tech what it is: a threat to every shop that makes se
The Great Divide: Why Machinists Don't Belong in Quality
Low-Mix, High-Volume: Our Big Shift — and What It's Teaching Me
Too many part numbers. Too many changeovers. Too much chaos. For years, we ran a low-volume, high-mix job shop — and it was eating us alive. Until we flipped the model. In this episode, I break down our full-on shift to high-volume, low-mix production: what pushed us over the edge, how we pulled it off, and what every shop owner needs to hear if you're tired of running in circles. I'm talking abou
Get Out and Kiss Babies: Why Your Customers Need to See Your Face
You're the face of the shop — act like it. In this episode, Jim Carr unpacks why getting out of the office, shaking hands, and "kissing babies" isn't politics… it's leadership. Whether it's a customer visit, trade show, or just showing up when it counts, your presence is your most powerful tool. Inside This Episode: What "kissing babies" really means in manufacturing How trust builds faster in per
Leads, Lies, and Lanyards: The Real Cost of Exhibiting
Dropped $10K on a booth and walked away with a pocketful of business cards and no leads? You're not alone. In this gritty solo episode, I pull back the curtain on the real ROI of trade shows—what works, what doesn't, and how to stop wasting money on flashy displays with zero follow-up. Whether you're a shop owner, ops manager, or just trying to make sense of your marketing spend, I'm giving you ha
Receivables Redefined: Be Firm. Be Fair. Get Paid.
Are you tired of chasing down payments like it's part of your job description? In this episode, Jim Carr strips down the BS and breaks down how to manage your receivables like a pro—without blowing up good customer relationships. From setting clear payment terms and dealing with Accounts Payable, to knowing exactly when to apply pressure or put someone on credit hold, Jim shares real-world tactics
Blueprints & Blood Pressure: Why GD&T Still Gets Misread
Why does GD&T still trip people up? In this episode, I break down the real reasons prints get misread — and how it leads to confusion, wasted time, and bad parts. If you've ever scratched your head over a feature control frame, this one's for you.
Talk Dirty to Me: The Language of the Trade
From bird's nests to cowboy cuts, we're breakin' down the raw, unfiltered slang of the shop floor. It's gritty, it's funny, and yeah—we swear a little. This ain't your HR-approved glossary. Let's talk dirty.
Grit, Chips, and Change: Four Decades in the Game
After 40 years in the game, Jim Carr asks the question no one wants to answer out loud: Was it easier to run a machine shop back then… or have the rules just changed? From manual mills and customer bankruptcies to ERP systems, 5-axis automation, and ISO audits — Jim has seen it all. In this reflective episode, he breaks down the then vs. now of manufacturing leadership: what's gotten harder, what'
How to Speak the 5 Love Languages of Business: In the Shop and Beyond
What do high fives, tool gifts, and 10-minute check-ins have in common? They're all ways to lead better on the shop floor. In this episode of My TRUE POSITION, Jim Carr breaks down the 5 Love Languages of Business — and how a little appreciation can go a long way in machining, morale, and management.
Beyond Gravity's Big Advantage: Culture You Can Feel
In this special Space Symposium episode, Jim Carr sits down with Oliver Grassmann, Executive Vice President of Beyond Gravity's Satellites division, to reveal the powerful — and often overlooked — force driving aerospace innovation: culture. From startup energy to decades of legacy, Beyond Gravity's real advantage is its people-first leadership. Oliver shares how building trust, liking your team,
Grounded Leadership in Zero Gravity: A Conversation with Wesley Grove
What do satellites and shop floors have in common? Wesley Grove connects the dots. In this episode, we talk about real-world innovation, smart failure, and how leadership lessons from manufacturing apply at orbital altitude. Wesley shares insights on team culture, process testing, and what small shops can borrow from space-tech thinking. Whether you're on the floor or calling the shots, this one's
Inside the Coach's Corner: How EBITDA Guides Machine Shops to Thrive
What's it really like to have a business coach in your shop's corner? In this episode, I sit down with my longtime business partners and coaches, Dave Capkovitz and Mike Watkins from EBITDA Growth Systems. We dive into the rhythm, the real talk, and the raw challenges that shops like mine face every day. From behind-the-scenes coaching stories to how CARR Machine leans on their insights to stay fo
Small Shops, Big Data: AI That Doesn't Require a PhD
AI isn't just for the big guys anymore. In this episode, Jim Carr sits down with Akshat Thirani, President of Amper Technologies, to break down how small- and mid-size manufacturers can actually use AI—without hiring a data scientist or spending a fortune. If you're AI-curious but skeptical, this conversation is for you.
The CFO That Knows Your Shop: Why Specialized Financial Strategy Matters
What if your CFO actually understood your machine shop? In this episode of My TRUE POSITION, I sit down with Dave Capkovitz and Mike Watkins from EBITDA Growth Systems — the fractional CFO team that's helped us transform CARR Machine & Tool since 2022. Their bold promise? Double your EBITDA in three years or don't pay a dime. We talk about why financial strategy is different for manufacturers, how
Why Are Funding Companies Blowing Up My Phone?
If you're a small to midsize manufacturer like me, you know exactly what I'm talking about — constant calls, emails, and DMs from lenders promising fast cash and easy approvals. But what's really going on behind the scenes? How did they get our info, why are they targeting us, and what's the true cost of these so-called "solutions"? In this episode of My TRUE POSITION, I'm breaking down the fundin
Why Modern Leaders Need to Sit in the Passenger Seat
In this episode of My TRUE POSITION, I'm talking about reverse shadowing — why it's time for owners, managers, and executives to follow the people on the front lines and learn from them. From the shop floor to shipping and admin, there's something new to pick up if you're willing to listen. This is how you build trust. This is how you stay relevant.
LinkedIn Without the Overload: A Manufacturer's Playbook
Ever feel like LinkedIn is more of a burden than a benefit? You're not alone. In this episode of My TRUE POSITION, we're cutting through the noise and breaking down how manufacturers can use LinkedIn as a tool—not a time-sucking, stress-inducing headache. Why LinkedIn feels overwhelming (and how to fix it) How to engage without feeling pressured to post all the time The real way to connect with c
Breaking Down AS9100 & ISO 9001: Costs, Compliance, & Commitment
Thinking about getting ISO 9001 or AS9100 certified but not sure which one makes sense for your shop? In this episode of My TRUE POSITION, I break down the key differences, the real costs, and how to offset expenses using Manufacturing Extension Partnerships (MEPs). If you want to win aerospace and defense contracts but the price tag has you hesitating, this episode is for you. No fluff—just strai
Beyond the Selfie: The Power of a Pro Headshot & Bio
Are you making the right first impression? If your bio is dull and your headshot is a blurry selfie, you're not doing yourself any favors. In this episode of My TRUE POSITION, I break down why every manufacturing leader needs a strong bio and a professional headshot. We'll cover why your digital handshake matters, who needs one, how to craft it, and why a professional headshot is worth it. If you
Pre-Retirement 101: What It Is & How to Prepare
Are You Ready for Pre-Retirement? As a multi-generational manufacturing business owner, stepping away from the day-to-day is easier said than done. Have you staffed your business correctly? Do you have the right leadership, mid-level management, and sales pipeline in place to keep things running smoothly? In this episode of My TRUE POSITION, I explore pre-retirement strategies—how to test the wate
Lock It Down: Why Your Machine Shop Needs an NDA
Are you protecting your shop's secrets, or leaving the door open for competitors to take your hard work? In this episode of My TRUE POSITION, explain why every machine shop needs a solid NDA. I'll share real-world lessons, that went sideways and could have been avoided with the right agreement in place. From third-party programmers to heat treaters and finishing companies, you and your customer's
Overtime: Catalyst or Culture Killer?
Overtime: Is it driving growth or quietly eroding your culture and profitability? In this episode, I reflect on decades of overtime practices at CARR Machine & Tool and shares key insights: The hidden costs of overtime on margins and efficiency. Why today's workforce prioritizes work-life balance. How over-reliance on overtime can expose inefficiencies. The cultural challenges of inconsist
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