In this inspiring episode of The Job Shop Show, we welcome back Tamea Franco, CEO of Global Metal Finishing, to share her remarkable journey of resilience, leadership, and transformation since the pandemic. Tamea dives into the hard decisions that reshaped her team, the tech innovations modernizing her shop—from sensors and AI to value stream mapping—and her vision for a smarter, more people-centric future in metal finishing. It's a candid and energizing conversation full of insights for job shop owners navigating growth and change.

In this episode of The Job Shop Show, Jay sits down with Eleazar Garza, co-founder of NBG Technologies, to share an inspiring journey of grit, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit. Eleazar recounts how he and his siblings moved from Mexico to Texas to build a sheet metal fabrication company from the ground up—driven by a single customer, a bold investment, and unwavering determination. From selling the family home to buy their first CNC machine to navigating cultural hurdles and legal red tape, this story highlights the power of belief, hard work, and community. Tune in to hear how NBG grew into a thriving operation and what’s next as they pursue AS9100 certification and a bold marketing push.

In this special edition of the Job Shop Show, we hit the floor at the 2025 Paperless Parts Power User Conference, where over 250 of the nation’s most forward-thinking shop owners gathered. We asked attendees three big questions—from their outlook on 2025 to where they'd invest $500K—and captured their candid, insightful responses. Tune in for a pulse on the industry's priorities and predictions straight from the shop floor.

In this episode of The Job Shop Show, host Jay Jacobs talks with Glen Langford and Nathan Hockey of Metal-Tech Industries (MTI), a third-generation sheet metal fabricator based in Brisbane, Australia. They discuss MTI's journey from a small transport-focused shop to a high-tech, lights-out manufacturing operation, powered by investments in automation, software, and a people-first approach. The conversation highlights the value of global collaboration, embracing technology, and building a culture of continuous improvement.Learn more: https://metaltech.com.au/

Join us as we talk with Brandon Morrell of KCSP Machine, who shares his journey from a career in archaeology, to digital marketing, to now owning a machine shop outside Kansas City. Brandon discusses how he acquired the business, built a strong shop culture, and leverages branding and digital marketing to drive new customer growth and sales. Learn more: https://www.kcspmachine.com/

Struggling with cost allocation while scaling your shop? In this episode, Paperless Parts co-founders Jason Ray and Jay Jacobs dive into a real-world scenario where a shop must rethink pricing strategies to win a $2M job. We unpack the impact on profitability, capacity, and overhead—and share actionable insights for shops looking to grow smart and sustainably.

This episode discusses the emerging integration of humanoid robots in medium-scale manufacturing, highlighting their increasing accuracy, decreasing costs, and potential to enhance rather than replace human workers. By 2030, experts predict these robots will be as common in manufacturing as computers are today, offering smaller shops the opportunity to boost productivity and efficiency by augmenting their workforce with robotic teammates.

This conversation explores the transformative shift in metal fabrication manufacturing, where advanced technologies are empowering workers rather than replacing them, enabling increased productivity and more meaningful roles. By 2025, the industry is expected to leverage AI, connected worker concepts, and sophisticated data analytics to drive efficiency, potentially increasing productivity by 25% without expanding workforce headcount.

In this episode, we talk with Cres Ferrell of ReNEW Manufacturing Solutions about his journey from learning business on the job to acquiring and revitalizing machine and fabrication shops. Crest shares insights on sales strategy, automation, and the future of American manufacturing—offering valuable advice for shop owners looking to grow, innovate, or plan their next move. Visit www.renewmfgsol.com to learn more.

The conversation explores the rapid surge in automation within the metalworking industry, highlighting how robots are addressing skilled worker shortages, improving precision, and enhancing workplace safety. Jay Jacobs and his co-host discuss how these technological advancements are transforming manufacturing through AI, IoT connectivity, and data-driven optimization, suggesting that companies must adapt to remain competitive.

In this episode we discuss "The Fabricator" article by Caleb Chamberlain, "The Economics of Speed in Metal Fabrication which examines a fabrication company that transformed its business model by prioritizing speed, moving from charging rush fees to offering faster default production times. By investing in technology, scaling efficiently, and challenging their own profitable practices, they discovered that faster service can attract more customers and potentially reshape the manufacturing industry's approach to lead times.

​In Episode 14 of The Job Shop Show Express, Jay discusses a recent Fortune article detailing Elon Musk's ambitious plans for Tesla and its humanoid robot, Optimus. The episode explores how these developments could revolutionize manufacturing and impact job shops in the future.​

Bill Berrien, CEO of Pindel Global Precision and Liberty Precision, shares his experience and insights on acquiring a manufacturing shop. We discuss strategies for evaluating potential acquisitions, financing options, and the challenges faced during the transition to new ownership.

Our focus is on Canadian manufacturing business acquisitions. This episode explores strategies and considerations for acquiring manufacturing businesses in Canada, offering insights into the unique challenges and opportunities within this market.

​In this episode, we discuss Pindel Global Precision's innovative approach to machinist training, emphasizing their collaboration with Milwaukee Area Technical College to provide hands-on experience with advanced CNC Swiss machining equipment. This partnership aims to bridge the skills gap by aligning educational programs with industry needs, ensuring a highly skilled workforce prepared for the complexities of modern precision manufacturing.

Estimating custom parts efficiently comes down to answering four key questions about manufacturability, materials, process steps, and costs. In this episode, we break down how automation is transforming the quoting process to save time and improve accuracy.

Manufacturing efficiency is key, but is there such a thing as the perfect run time? In this episode, we explore why variability in production is inevitable and how shops can optimize processes without chasing an unrealistic ideal.

Apple's supply chain is evolving as it shifts some MacBook production from China to Vietnam. In this episode, we explore the impact of this move on global manufacturing and what it signals for the future of tech supply chains.

BTX Precision’s acquisition of Addison Precision Manufacturing marks a strategic expansion in high-precision machining. In this episode, we discuss what this move means for the industry and the future of advanced manufacturing.