Advertise on podcast: The Job Shop Show

Steve and Tammy of Baillie Fabricating & Welding join us on today's episode. Together they have been running a 10-person full-service job shop for over 30 years. They discuss how they divide responsibilities (Steve leading operations and production, Tammy handling accounting, HR, and risk), how they set boundaries to avoid bringing work conflict home, and how to resolve disagreements by stepping away and seeking outside mentoring. Steve shares why he left a trucking fabrication career to start the business, a leap of faith buying their first laser to compete in thin-gauge work, and a painful lesson from investing in robotic welding while relying too heavily on one customer. They also cover credit policies and collections practices, hiring for character over skill, Tammy’s lesson about switching from a large payroll vendor to a local provider, and Steve’s move from job shop work into manufacturing by developing a durable stainless bracket and guards to combat fuel-dispenser break-ins and organized fuel theft. To learn more, visit the Baillie Fabricating & Welding website here: https://www.bailliefab.com/

In this episode of the Job Shop Show, host Jay Jacobs talks with Tony Jordan and Thomas Deslongchamps of Pindel Global Precision about the company's remarkable transformation under the leadership of Bill Berrian. They discuss the strategic vision that guided the change, including workforce training, automation, and incorporating AI to streamline operations. The conversation offers insights into the challenges and successes of modernizing a traditional machine shop and underlines the importance of investing in people and technology for sustained growth and operational efficiency.

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. To learn more, visit www.nbgtechnologies.com.

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. Cres 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.​