Buy the Numbers

If you think selling your business is just about getting the highest number, think again. In Part II of my conversation with the all-star team at CLA—Erin Mickels, Mike Britten, and Mike Pohl—we dig into the fine print that can make or break your deal  after  the handshake. From LOIs to sales price allocations to working capital battles, this is where the real money is won or lost. We start with w...

If you've ever thought,  "I'll sell when I'm ready" —you're already behind. In this episode of  Buy the Numbers , I sit down with three powerhouse advisors from CLA—Erin Mickels (owner transition expert), Mike Britten (tax wizard), and Mike Pohl (wealth whisperer)—to unpack what it really takes to set yourself up for a successful exit from your manufacturing business. We talk through the overlooke...

When I first heard about the "One Big Beautiful Bill," I knew we had to break it down for the MakingChips audience. This isn't just another tax update—it's a massive, 900-page piece of legislation with real implications for manufacturers like us. Whether you're thinking about buying equipment, expanding your facility, hiring more people, or selling your business down the road, the OBBB touches nea...

I'm halfway through the year and, like many of you, I feel as if it's still February. Orders are steady but not spectacular, and every headline seems designed to keep shop owners awake at night. That's why I invited my friend and financing partner  Ty Willis  back on  Buy the Numbers —because cautious optimism only works if your cash flow can keep up with your ambitions. Ty funds machine tools eve...

What happens when a former MLB.com writer ends up leading marketing for one of the most complex machine tool portfolios in the country? You get a masterclass in translating business goals into real marketing ROI.  In this episode of  Buy the Numbers , Jon Star—Director of Marketing at Methods Machine Tools—joins us for a conversation about data-driven marketing, building trust with job shops, and...

What if I told you that your accounting function could be your greatest weapon in the fight for better margins, smarter decisions, and stronger growth? Too often, we treat accounting like a chore—just another box to check, another invoice to send. But if you're serious about building a resilient, efficient, and scalable manufacturing business, then it's time to look at accounting as a strategic fu...

Most golfers obsess over their gear—but almost none of them build it. Jared Doerfler did. After playing college golf and spending years in sales, he found himself pulled back into the game he loved—but this time, through the lens of product creation. With zero machining experience, he quit his job, bought a beginner CNC mill, and decided to manufacture putters himself, from his garage. In this epi...

Most of us shop owners tend to keep compensation pretty simple: pay ourselves what the business can afford, pay our team what feels fair, and hope that keeps everyone happy. But I've learned over the years that this approach can quietly hurt the very business we're trying to grow.  In this episode, I sit down with John Jones from Scissortail Executive Advisors to dig into how owner and executive c...

Most of us would never machine a part without checking the tolerances first — so why do so many shop owners sign off on financing agreements without understanding the performance "tolerances" our banks are quietly measuring us against?  In this episode of Buy the Numbers, commercial banker Danny O'Keefe returns to break down two terms that sound like dry legal jargon but carry real operational con...

Tariffs aren't just a line item buried in your supply chain—they're a fast-moving, often misunderstood force that could have a massive impact on your profitability, pricing, and even your global strategy. In this eye-opening episode of Buy the Numbers, Jennifer Clement and Leslie Boyd from CLA join me for a masterclass in tariff mitigation strategies. As volatility re-emerges on the global trade f...

Most small manufacturers don't realize they're being quietly supported by one of the most impactful public-private partnerships in the country. The Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) has long been the hidden backbone behind training programs, grant facilitation, process improvements, and critical tech upgrades for shops across the U.S. But recent Federal decisions to defund these programs—w...

If you're still thinking of culture in your manufacturing shop as a side dish instead of the main course, you're already behind. In this episode of Buy the Numbers , I sat down with Jim Mayer to unpack what shop culture really looks like on the floor—and why we need to start talking about it differently. This isn't about breakroom ping-pong tables or slogans on the wall. Those things are fine, but...

This conversation will  transform  how you think about machine tool investments. Keith Granno, a seasoned expert with over three decades of experience in the machine tool industry, offers invaluable insights on the delicate balance between machine selection and long-term profitability. From choosing the right machines to understanding when it's time to upgrade, Keith dives into the critical factor...

In today's episode of  Buy the Numbers , we're diving into the key metrics that help a company scale successfully. Growth can be both exhilarating and overwhelming, especially when you're managing multiple locations and divisions.  How do you ensure that each part of your business is operating smoothly while also keeping a strong grip on the culture and values that made your company successful in...

How do you secure the cash you need to run your manufacturing business?  In this episode of  Buy the Numbers , I sit down with Dan O'Keefe, Senior Vice President at Busey Bank, to explore the crucial steps in securing a line of credit for your business. If you're a manufacturer looking for financing, this episode is packed with essential advice on how to prepare. We walk through the specific finan...

What if you could save thousands on your taxes with a few strategic changes to your business? In this episode, Nick Romanelli and Dylan Valentyn from Clifton Larson Allen share key tax strategies that many manufacturers overlook. We dive into the R&D tax credit, showing how manufacturers—whether small job shops or larger factories—can qualify by innovating in ways they may not have considered, suc...

What can you do to impact your tax liability for 2024? With tax season right around the corner, manufacturers are faced with the crucial task of optimizing their tax strategies to both reduce liabilities and unlock future growth potential. In part one of a two-part series, I sat down with tax experts Dylan Valentyn and Nick Romanelli from CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) to explore the critical tax-saving...

Many manufacturing businesses hit a plateau around $2 million in revenue, and breaking through that ceiling can feel overwhelming.  According to Paul Van Metre, it's not just about working harder—it's about building systems that work harder for you. In this episode, Paul, a manufacturing entrepreneur and co-founder of ProShop ERP, uncovers why so many businesses get stuck at this threshold—and how...

Did you know you could be leaving tens—or even hundreds—of thousands of dollars on the table every year? Most manufacturers don't realize the incredible potential of grants to fund new projects, invest in equipment, and upskill their workforce. In this episode of Buy the Numbers, we're breaking down everything you need to know about manufacturing grants, with insights from Micki Vandeloo, a season...

On this episode of  Buy the Numbers , I sit down with Josh McKain to talk about his 3.5-step framework—the process he uses to help companies turn their goals into  results .  Josh shares how he starts every project by aligning teams, often uncovering surprising gaps in understanding. From there, his framework guides teams through assessing their capacity, building a strategic roadmap, and staying...

"A good banker understands your business's financial picture. They understand your balance sheet. They understand what your cashflow looks like. They have an understanding of what your needs are."  In this episode, I sit down with Jace Dawson—the Commercial Regional Executive for Simmons Bank—to explore how manufacturing businesses can manage cashflow, secure financing, and grow strategically by l...

When it comes to purchasing machinery, the decision isn't always as simple as cash or financing—it's a strategic move that can shape the future of your business.  In this episode of Buy the Numbers, Ty Willis joins me to break down equipment financing, Section 179 tax benefits, and how to make smart purchasing decisions. Should you leverage financing to preserve cash flow or invest upfront for inc...

What's the best way to transition a family business? Should you inherit it—or buy it outright? In this episode, we're continuing my conversation with Nicole Wolter to explore the challenges and opportunities of buying versus inheriting your family business. Nicole's journey is one of intentionality and vision. She's not just thinking about taking over the reins of her family business—she's reimagi...

Nicole Wolter is the President & CEO of HM Manufacturing. Most of you are probably familiar with her name—and for good reason. She is an industry  powerhouse . In this episode of  Buy the Numbers , she takes us on a raw and insightful journey through the trials, triumphs, and tough conversations that define her experience as the second-generation leader of a manufacturing company.  Nicole opens up...

Curious about buying, building, or selling a machine shop? In this episode of Buy the Numbers, Investor and CNC Machine Shop Owner Mike Fritz breaks down his strategies for structuring deals, increasing business value, and overcoming the challenges of acquisition.  Mike also drops actionable insights on how to position your company for sale, maximize cash flow, and decouple the business from owner...