Mike Payne

Manufacturing Leader | Manufacturing Investor | Podcast Host | Huge fan of all entrepreneurs!

[MakingChips @Making_Chips]

Manufacturing isn't just the shop floor. Kyra Tillman says the industry needs coders, accountants, and engineers just as much as machinists. Scaling the talent pipeline means thinking bigger. #Manufacturing #CNC

[MakingChips @Making_Chips]

A new Illinois law almost wiped out high school shop class statewide. Kyra Tillman and the Manufacturing Pathways Consortium got lawmakers to fix it — now CTE credit counts toward it. Saving the talent pipeline starts with showing up. #Manufacturing #CTE

[MakingChips @Making_Chips]

The Free “School” That Got Him Into Manufacturing

For the next generation, discovering manufacturing often starts with watching incredible CNC cuts, complex parts, and creators who make the trade feel exciting and accessible.

In this clip, Leighton Hill shares how channels like Titans of CNC, Edge Precision, and Abom79 helped spark his interest in machining, turning YouTube videos into inspiration, education, and even family night with his dad.

In the full episode, we dive into:

• How Leighton went from running a tiny Craftsman lathe as a kid to starting Hillco
• Why his first CNC mill changed the way he thought about machining
• How Facebook groups, word of mouth, and local relationships helped him land real work
• The realities of building a shop while still working a full-time job
• How he thinks about quoting, pricing, and learning CAM
• Why repair work, walk-ins, and oddball jobs can become major opportunities
• His vision for growing into CNC lathe work, aerospace, AS9100, and eventually hiring young talent

This is a great look at how the next generation is finding its way into manufacturing: through curiosity, family support, online learning, and a willingness to say yes to the work in front of them.

#CNC #Manufacturing #MakingChips

[MakingChips @Making_Chips]

In the latest @Making_Chips episode, we dive into the entrepreneurial mindset. Want to know what it truly takes to disrupt the status quo? Watch now 👇
https://t.co/3TtRiXbFcv
#Entrepreneurship #Disruption #Leadership #Innovation #Manufacturing #MakingChips

[MakingChips @Making_Chips]

Launching a #MachineShop? In episode 458 of the #MachineShopMBA series, we go beyond vision boards and get into the meat and potatoes of launching your shop legally: Entity Types, Tax Traps, and Long-Term Strategy. Check it out: https://t.co/4y8eewDLXB

[BuyTheNumbers @BuyTheNumbers_]

Excellent conversation with Josh McKain about prioritizing goals and accountability!

https://t.co/tkCQ1KqlUj

[BuyTheNumbers @BuyTheNumbers_]

Why Do Shops Stall at $2M

Grinding. Hustling. Pushing harder. Yet, growth stalls.

Getting to $2M is about working harder. Getting past it? Better systems.

This week I sat down with Paul Van Metre to break down why shops hit this ceiling—and how to break through.

Tune in now!

[BuyTheNumbers @BuyTheNumbers_]

Well, Sat down with Tank to record Buy the Numbers. figured we’d cover onboarding, shop smells…real hard-hitting topics.

30 seconds in…out cold, snoring

So if y’all are interested in the ROI of doing nothing, this might be our best episode yet.

Got a coworker like this?

[MakingChips @Making_Chips]

What does it take to build a kick-ass culture in #manufacturing? In #MakingChips Ep. #445, Beau Groover shares how clarity, collaboration, and empathy can transform your team. 🎧 Listen now: https://t.co/6yfLl3Sc5x
#MetalworkingNation

[MakingChips @Making_Chips]

Happy New Year! This week on MakingChips, we tackle resolutions that matter: aligning KPIs for team success, the power of gratitude and calendar audits, and leading with intention in 2025. Start the year inspired—listen now. #ManufacturingLeadership #MakingChips

[BuyTheNumbers @BuyTheNumbers_]

Wrong… wrong… correct… but only after you try the first two twice.

Anyone? 🙋‍♂️

Who else struggles?🤷‍♂️

#ModernMystery #RelatableAF

[BuyTheNumbers @BuyTheNumbers_]

Merry Christmas! 🎄🎅✝️

[MakingChips @Making_Chips]

MakingChips has been equipping and inspiring the #MetalworkingNation for 10 years?! What's been your favorite moment? Let us know 👇 #MakingChips #Manufacturing

[BuyTheNumbers @BuyTheNumbers_]

“The best bankers are the bankers who are cultivating relationships between transactions.” Jace Dawson on episode 6 of #BuyTheNumbers. Must-listen! #MakingChips #Cashflow #CashflowManagement

[BuyTheNumbers @BuyTheNumbers_]

Finishing the year strong!💪✨

From sparks flying to precision cuts, everyone’s hustling to get the job done.

This is what it’s all about: quality parts, on time, every time. 🔧🔥

#QualityParts #OnTime #EveryTime #Manufacturing #ShopLife #MFGCommunity

[BuyTheNumbers @BuyTheNumbers_]

18 foster dogs in 2024. 🐾

Each one became part of the Hill Manufacturing & Fabrication family!

Here’s to the pups who made this year unforgettable—and the many more to come! 🐶❤️

#ShopDogs #DogsOfMFG #AdoptDontShop #HelplessHounds

[MakingChips @Making_Chips]

Seeing @raeripple create this stunning piece of #art by #welding was one of the coolest things at FabTech this year. What do you think #Metalworkingnation?

[MakingChips @Making_Chips]

SpaceX caught a #rocket and @elonmusk got the credit... BUT let's give credit where it's due: It was a #machinist who brought his vision to life 👏 👏 👏

[Broken Arrow Police @BA_Police]

We’d like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to Hill Manufacturing for generously allowing our Special Operations Team to use their facility for training this week. Your support is invaluable!

#BrokenArrowPolice #Teamwork #Training #CommunitySupport #SpecialOperationsTeam

[MakingChips @Making_Chips]

ShopFloor Coffee’s mission is to make great coffee AND drive workforce development in manufacturing. Learn more in this week’s episode of #MakingChips! #Manufacturing #MetalworkingNation #ManufacturingLeader

https://t.co/k8Ephm395V