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 about the pain of quoting chaos, the burnout from nonstop setups, and what we gained when we finally foc...
Jun 27, 2025•24 min•Ep. 117
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 person — and why that boosts your bottom line Real examples from the field where face-time made the dif...
Jun 20, 2025•20 min•Ep. 116
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 hard numbers, straight talk, and actionable tips to turn your next trade show into a revenue engine. M...
Jun 13, 2025•30 min•Ep. 115
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 from the shop floor. This ain’t a finance lecture—it’s a no-fluff guide to getting what you earned....
Jun 06, 2025•26 min•Ep. 114
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.
May 30, 2025•25 min•Ep. 113
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.
May 23, 2025•19 min•Ep. 112
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’s gotten easier, and what’s always stayed the same — grit. If you run a shop or plan to one day, don...
May 16, 2025•26 min•Ep. 111
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.
May 09, 2025•22 min
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, and fostering global collaboration are making a real impact in space tech. If you think manufacturin...
May 02, 2025•39 min•Ep. 109
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 packed with practical takeaways.
Apr 18, 2025•33 min•Ep. 108
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 focused and grow—we're breaking it all down. If you're running a shop and wondering how to break throu...
Apr 11, 2025•32 min•Ep. 107
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.
Apr 04, 2025•39 min•Ep. 106
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 their laser-focused expertise delivers real results, and what they uncovered that changed the g...
Mar 28, 2025•46 min•Ep. 105
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 funding frenzy hitting our industry, sharing real-life examples, and giving you the playbook to protect yo...
Mar 14, 2025•31 min•Ep. 104
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.
Mar 07, 2025•21 min•Ep. 103
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 customers, vendors, and talent—without the corporate fluff A simple, no-BS LinkedIn strategy that actu...
Mar 01, 2025•29 min•Ep. 102
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 straight talk on what it takes and whether it’s worth it.
Feb 22, 2025•24 min•Ep. 101
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 want to be taken seriously in business, it’s time to step up your game. Hit play and let’s get into ...
Feb 14, 2025•29 min•Ep. 100
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 waters by taking extended time off, how to assess your business readiness, and how to determine if you'r...
Feb 07, 2025•21 min•Ep. 99
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 confidential information is at risk every time you share information. Listen to this episode to lear...
Jan 31, 2025•25 min
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 overtime practices. I also detail the steps our team took to redefine our approach—streamlining prod...
Jan 17, 2025•18 min•Ep. 97
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? Tune in now!
Jan 10, 2025•29 min•Ep. 96
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, there’s plenty to celebrate. Plus, I’ll share how reshoring trends, automation, and sustainability ...
Jan 03, 2025•29 min•Ep. 95
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 vendors, using credit cards to your benefit (hello, cash back!), and encouraging your customers to pay fast...
Dec 28, 2024•22 min•Ep. 94
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 costs, and what it truly takes to implement an ERP system that can streamline your shop and take your ...
Dec 21, 2024•39 min•Ep. 93
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-site can solve them all. From debunking misconceptions about the technology to understanding the real...
Dec 13, 2024•41 min•Ep. 92
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 expansion, and empowering your team with strong leadership. Your future starts now. Whether it’s re...
Dec 06, 2024•20 min•Ep. 91
Are you ready to bust a move on the shop floor? In this episode of My TRUE POSITION, we’re diving into the world of Gemba Walks—manufacturing’s ultimate groove for continuous improvement. Inspired by the catchy rhythm of the "Macarena," we’re coining it the GEMBA-rena! But this isn’t just a catchy name; it’s a game-changing approach to connecting with your team, identifying inefficiencies, and fostering a culture of collaboration and quality. Join me as I break down the benefits of this hands-on...
Nov 29, 2024•22 min•Ep. 90
In this episode of My TRUE POSITION, I challenge you to take a hard look at your machine shop. Are you running it as a lifestyle business, content with mediocrity, or are you ready to scale and thrive? We’ll explore what it truly means to embrace growth versus staying comfortable. If you've ever wondered whether you're holding yourself back or playing it too safe, this episode is your wake-up call. Tune in to decide where your shop stands!
Nov 22, 2024•24 min•Ep. 89
In a fun twist for this episode, we flip the script! Day Hurn, Sales & Marketing Specialist at Robojob-USA, takes over the mic to interview me. We discuss the future of automation in 2025, exploring how AI, robotics, and lights-out machining are transforming manufacturing. It’s not just about tech—it’s about the mindset shift needed to stay competitive. Join us for candid insights, unexpected questions, and a whole new perspective on what’s next in manufacturing!
Nov 15, 2024•25 min•Ep. 88
