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my TRUE POSITION

Jim Carrsites.libsyn.com
Manufacturing Professionals will receive immediate and actionable insight into high-level issues of running a small to mid-sized manufacturing company. All communicated in an easy-to-digest 20 minutes by your expert podcaster and second-generation business owner, Jim Carr.
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Episodes

Beyond Limits: Exploring the Boundaries of Pushing Yourself

On this episode, we delve into the concept of pushing oneself in the world of business. While striving for success and pushing boundaries can yield favorable outcomes, it's essential to recognize the potential drawbacks and pitfalls that come with this approach. Join us as we explore the pros and cons of pushing yourself in business and how it can impact your professional journey.

Mar 13, 202426 minEp. 57

Engineering a CNC Machine Shop: What Two Friends Learned

Embark on a captivating journey with Brad and Pete, two engineers whose bond as colleagues blossomed into a dynamic partnership, ultimately leading them to co-ownership of a thriving machine shop. On this episode of my TRUE POSITION, Brad and Pete candidly share the invaluable lessons learned on their path from the cubicle to the corner office. From seizing opportunities to weathering challenges, their story is a testament to the power of friendship, determination, and unwavering vision. Discove...

Mar 06, 202442 minEp. 56

Rebranding Your Company: What, Why, and How?

Curious about rebranding your business? Join me, a seasoned business executive in manufacturing, as I delve into the dynamic world of rebranding a manufacturing company. On this episode, I’ll share insights on how to strategically overhaul your brand image to stay relevant and competitive in today's manufacturing landscape. From redefining your brand identity to implementing innovative strategies, I’ll provide actionable steps to elevate your manufacturing business to new heights. Tune in and un...

Feb 28, 202417 minEp. 55

Planning for 2024: Financial, Staffing, Equipment, Budgeting and More!

Get ready to elevate your business strategies for 2024 with the latest episode of "My TRUE POSITION"! Join me as I delve into the essential pillars of planning for the new year, covering everything from financial foresight and sales strategies to staffing solutions and budget brilliance. Don't miss out on insights that will set you up for success in the year ahead. Tune in now and discover your true position for 2024!

Feb 21, 202421 minEp. 54

It's True: We're Really Paperless!

Exciting news, folks! CARR Machine & Tool, Inc. has boldly stepped into the future like a streamlined, paperless pacesetter! Say goodbye to paper jams and hello to digital glam! Our shop is shedding its paper weight faster than you can say "Ctrl + P"! From blueprints to invoices, we're digitizing it all, making our workflow smoother than a freshly tuned CNC machine! Join me on this journey as we embrace the future, one pixel at a time!

Feb 14, 202429 minEp. 53

Don’t Be Fooled: It's Not Easy to Start a Machine Shop

Embarking on the journey of launching a machine shop entails navigating through substantial challenges. The initial hurdle lies in the considerable start-up costs, machinery, tools, and skilled labor. The industry itself poses a formidable challenge with intense competition, making it difficult for newcomers to establish themselves. Securing and retaining skilled machinists can be an ongoing struggle due to the competitive market for talent. Additionally, the unpredictability of market fluctuati...

Feb 07, 202419 minEp. 52

Anguish, Agony and Lessons Learned :The 2008 Great Recession

The 2008 Recession hit hard—jobs vanished, homes were lost, and dreams shattered. Triggered by the housing market crash, it brought widespread economic pain. Unemployment soared, savings disappeared, and the road to homeownership turned into a nightmare. The struggle wasn't just financial; it messed with minds, leaving scars that lasted. Governments tried to patch things up, but the ripples kept going. A stark reminder of how economic crises dig deep into lives. Join me as I share the histroy of...

Jan 31, 202422 minEp. 51

Keeping the Conditions Healthy on the Shop Floor

Listen, maintaining a healthy machine shop environment offers dual benefits for businesses. First, it boosts efficiency by preventing accidents, optimizing workflow, and reducing equipment wear. Second, a clean and safe workspace fosters a positive workplace culture, enhancing employee satisfaction, morale, and retention. This commitment to environmental health not only ensures operational efficiency but also demonstrates social responsibility, attracting environmentally conscious talent and imp...

Jan 24, 202425 minEp. 50

Are You Ready to Retire?

Is retirement in your future? Are you sure this is something you want to do? What are the circumstances around your decision? Are you financially able to retire and at what age? Where are you going to live? On this episode I have a friend with me that made his decision and we chat about some of the key things to know about making this decision.

Jan 17, 202434 minEp. 49

New Year, New Goals

Are you ready for the New Year? Ready to lose some weight, get back in the gym, be a better spouse, increase sales by 50%, get better efficiency from your employees, grow your EBITDA and ramp up your gross margin? Think it’s possible? Well don’t get overwhelmed on this episode I’m going to give you some tips that have worked for me.

Jan 10, 202422 minEp. 48

Gaining Extreme Value From Your MEP

Are you moving your facility into a larger facility and want advice on how to set it up? How about looking for professional services to grow your business? In this episode I have an industry friend to tell us how to easily get grants for our business - and who doesn’t want free money?

Dec 20, 202341 minEp. 47

Safety on the Shop Floor: Why It’s Important

Ever have a near-miss in your shop? Ever have to file a Workers Compensation claim? It’s not fun and can really affect your insurance rating. In this episode I’m sharing my tips and how to make your shop floor (even) safer.

Dec 13, 202318 minEp. 46

We’re Only Quoting the Job Not Machining It

Quoting a machined part isn’t easy, you can spend too much time and still get it wrong. In this episode I’ll share some tips on what I’ve learned quoting jobs for nearly two decades.

Dec 06, 202319 minEp. 45

Creating Data Packages for an AS9100 Machine Shop

Are you thinking about implementing AS9100 to ramp up your brand and take your business to the next level? Think it’s easy to create and assemble an AS9102 data package? Well on this episode I’m going to explain how we do it at CARR Machine.

Nov 29, 202319 minEp. 44

Employment Agreements: Why They’re Important

Think Employment Agreements are silly? Don’t think they’re necessary for your small business? Just more work for you? In this episode of my TRUE POSITION I share my experiences implementing them and why I think they’re an integral part of a progressive business.

Nov 22, 202318 minEp. 43

Buying Equipment on Speculation: Right or Wrong?

Ever wonder WHEN is the right time to buy new machinery? Are you hearing from your customer’s that significant new business is in the queue? Are you debating leasing or purchasing ? Brand new or used? In this episode of my TRUE POSITION we explore all the pros and cons of acquiring new equipment and when is it the right time?

Nov 15, 202321 minEp. 42

Writing a Resume 101 and Tips on Interviewing

Are you ready for a new career? Been some time since you updated your resume? On this episode I share with you what I, and other HR personnel look for on a resume and offer some tips on how to differentiate yourself from your competition.

Nov 08, 202320 minEp. 41

Marketing for Manufacturers: It’s Not All Smoke and Mirrors

Have your marketing efforts faded? Still print paper line cards to prospect? Have you reviewed your digital media presence and how is Artificial Intelligence going to impact your marketing endeavors? I may have your answers on this episode of my TRUE POSITION my Interview with Kathy Steele, President of Red Caffeine A Growth Consultancy should sort it all out.

Nov 01, 202347 minEp. 40

Scaling Your Business: Risk vs. Reward

Is the thought of tripling your sales tripling your blood pressure? Are you worried about the financial impact of growing your business? How about the HR implications? Well on this episode I’m sharing my own thoughts and plans for our growth. Join me on this journey.

Oct 25, 202317 minEp. 39

Managing the EBITDA

Not excited about digging into the numbers? Finance not your thing? Do you know what your gross margin is? Or, how about your EBITDA? On this episode of my TRUE POSITION , I have two very special guests; our new fractional CFO, David Capkovitz from EBITDA Growth Systems and my very own son, Ryan Carr . We will discuss why it’s important to know about that crazy acronym and how you can improve your overall financial performance....

Oct 18, 202348 minEp. 38

Manufacturing Leaders Leading

Where is the manufacturing industry going? It certainly is a much smaller community of late. Think you want to give back but don’t think you’re “educated” enough to inspire or influence a peer? Well on this episode I have my friend Craig Zoberis, and industry leader on the show and we’re going to talk about being leading.

Oct 11, 202346 minEp. 37

Optimizing Value-Add Services From Your Vendors

Are you cutting your bar stock in house? Think you’re saving money? How about water jet, laser or routing services to remove the material closer to a near-net shape? This episode should open your eyes to cost effective services that can be done by your material supplier, so you can save time and money.

Oct 04, 202342 minEp. 36

Implementing EOS With an Implementer

Is your business flat? Feeling burnt out? Have you lost your fire? Don’t worry, it’s a common thing for business executives and owners. On this episode I chat with an EOS implementer and have him share some tips on how to effectively implement EOS and how to keep going.

Sep 27, 202355 minEp. 35

Crafting a Culture for Your Machine Shop

What are Core Values? How about Mission and Vision Statements? Do you really need them to lead a successful business or is it just all smoke and mirrors? Well on this episode I hope to clear the air and we can all reflect on these guiding principles.

Sep 20, 202321 minEp. 34

AS9100 Certification: Is It Worth It?

Does AS9100 credentialing bring in more business? What is the true cost for implementation? Does your company have the infrastructure to maintain the certs? Is it an easy process? On this episode I’m going to share what we’ve learned about as9100 implementation. And is it really worth it?

Sep 13, 202320 minEp. 33

Recession Blues: Are We or Aren’t We?

Some people say we’re in a recession, some are saying we’re heading for one and others are having record growth. What is up with this economy? On this episode of my TRUE POSITION I’ll share with you my experiences living through multiple recessions, the volatility they bring and try to separate fact from fiction.

Sep 06, 202317 minEp. 32

DPAs Rated Purchase Orders: Risky Business?

Is your company ITAR compliant? Do you have AS9100 credentialing? Do you do Department of Defense Work? Are you accepting DPAs-rated Purchase Orders and do you really know how they work and the seriousness of them?

Aug 30, 202320 minEp. 31

Industrial Real Estate: Lessons Learned

Ready to move your machine shop? Are you going to buy or lease? How many square feet do you think you need? How many docks? What are the restrictions for renovations? Do you need to sell your existing plant? This week I have my commercial realtor and friend here to offer advise to anyone looking to buy and or sell their industrial property.

Aug 16, 202342 minEp. 30

I Was Wrong: 5 Axis CNC Machining Rocks

Still waiting to buy a 5 axis machine? Is it the cost that scares you? Or the technology upgrade? Are you concerned you won’t find someone to run it or is it a financial burden? Well on this week’s episode I’m going to give the basics of why I think you should pull the trigger.

Aug 09, 202318 minEp. 29

Implementing Margin Time for Yourself

Are you feeling overworked? Feeling uninspired? Has your energy level diminished and you're just not “into” your job lately? Don’t worry, as hurried business executives we all go through this - but this is a sign you need some margin time. In this episode I share my own personal experience by allowing myself some.

Aug 02, 202316 minEp. 28
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