my TRUE POSITION

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...

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...

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.

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.

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'...

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.

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,...

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...

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...

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.

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...

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...

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.

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 cu...

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...

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...

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...

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: 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 inconsistent over...

What's your brand? It's a question I was asked over a decade ago, and it changed how I approach both business and personal growth. In this episode, we'll explore the power of aligning your corporate brand with your personal brand. Learn why your corporate brand builds trust, how your personal brand sets you apart, and how combining the two can amplify your success. Ready to elevate your brand? Tun...

2024 was a year of resilience, growth, and transformation for me personally and professionally. In this episode of My TRUE POSITION, I'm reflecting on the milestones we hit at CARR Machine & Tool, the exciting progress on this podcast, and some meaningful personal wins that made this year unforgettable. From expanding our capabilities in aerospace manufacturing to engaging younger generations, the...

In this episode, I'm drilling into one of the most critical aspects of running a successful business: managing cash flow.  I'll explain why understanding the gap between Day Sales Outstanding (DSO) and Day Payables Outstanding (DPO) is crucial, and how leveraging that gap can give your business a major advantage.   You'll also hear practical strategies for negotiating extended terms with your vend...

Yeppers…I messed up!  In a previous episode, I threw out some numbers about ERP costs, and my good friend, Paul Van Metre from ProShop, hit me with a "Jim, WTF?" moment. Turns out, I wasn't entirely accurate about ERP implementation costs, especially for shops with $5–10M in revenue.  To set the record straight, Paul joined me in the studio to break it all down. We're talking real numbers, hidden...

In this episode I welcome Jayden Mackinnin from Fluid-Aire Dynamics to the my TRUE POSITION studio to discuss a cutting-edge solution that's transforming industries: in-house nitrogen gas generation. We break down the biggest challenges companies face with traditional liquid nitrogen—like high costs, logistical headaches, and environmental concerns—and explore how generating your own nitrogen on-s...

Are you ready to set your business up for success in 2025? In this episode we explore the critical decisions you need to make today to thrive tomorrow. From creating targeted marketing campaigns that resonate, to setting achievable sales goals that drive growth, I'll share actionable insights to help you stay ahead. We'll dive into building operational resilience, managing finances for sustainable...