Send us a text

One thing that's critical in reindustrializing America is teaching our youth about building their own companies.

But according to Dave Goerlich, we aren't always doing the greatest job at that.

Dave is co-founder and CEO of The Refinery, a software development firm specializing in manufacturing. He joined us to discuss the importance of entrepreneurship education. He criticized current programs for focusing too much on business plans and competitions, advocating instead for hands-on experience. Dave emphasized the need for mentorship and real-world learning, citing the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program as a model. He highlighted the shift in The Refinery's focus from software development to advisory services. Dave also stressed the importance of execution over ideas and the value of building in public to gather feedback and refine solutions.

Highlights:
- Dave's Journey to Entrepreneurship
- The Refinery's Niche and Market Focus
- Market Segments and Clientele
- Entrepreneurship Education and Challenges
- The Role of Competition and Market Testing
- Mentorship and Real-World Experience
- The Importance of Execution Over Ideas

This is really vital and really practical stuff. Check out the whole show!

The Refinery: https://the-refinery.io/

Send us a text

Talk about a vital subject!

Our host Jim Vinoski interviews Brent Sadler, a retired US Navy Captain and senior research fellow at the Heritage Foundation, about the sorry state of American shipbuilding and the US Navy's needs. Sadler highlights the US Navy's shortage of ships, emphasizing the need for 575 ships to counter threats from China and Russia. He discusses the decline in US shipbuilding capacity, the importance of leveraging allies like Japan and South Korea, and the need for significant investment in infrastructure, workforce training, and new technologies. Sadler also mentions the Ships for America Act and the Maritime Action Plan as key legislative initiatives to support the revitalization of US shipbuilding.

Highlights:
- Challenges in US Shipbuilding
- Complexities of Reviving US Shipbuilding
- Numbers and Timing for Navy Strength
- Impact of Neglect and Need for Action
- Commercial Shipbuilding and Global Competition
- Administration and Legislative Efforts
- Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation

US shipbuilding now represents about 0.4% of global deliveries, and China's capacity is about 1,000 times that of America's.

It's long past time we start fixing this.

Resources

Brent's books:
- Naval Power in Action: Seizing the Initiative in the New Cold War with China - https://tinyurl.com/mrskfm5f
- U.S. Naval Power in the 21st Century: A New Strategy for Facing the Chinese and Russian Threat - https://tinyurl.com/4dwrr779

A few of Brent's articles:
- The Nation Needs a Shipbuilding Revolution - https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2025/february/nation-needs-shipbuilding-revolution
- How To Judge the U.S. Navy’s Next Force Design - https://www.heritage.org/defense/commentary/how-judge-the-us-navys-next-force-design
- America’s Maritime Revival: Sailing Into Some Headwinds - https://www.heritage.org/defense/commentary/americas-maritime-revival-sailing-some-headwinds

Send us a text

Why are five of the biggest American defense contractors neck-deep in divisive, destructive diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices? Dustin DeVito had a great article about that recently (link at the bottom), and he joined us to discuss just why that needs to change, pronto.

Hint: it's not just about DEI.

Dustin, director of research at the 1792 Exchange, discussed the organization's efforts to steer corporations away from divisive social and political issues, focusing on accurate data and trustworthy analysis. He highlighted the top five defense contractors' involvement in DEI initiatives, which he views as discriminatory and contrary to their core business priorities. Dustin emphasized the importance of companies focusing on their core business objectives rather than yielding to political activism. He also noted the effect of the Business Roundtable's wrongheaded 2019 statement on corporate governance, and emphasized in contrast the need for companies to align their policies with non-controversial causes.

Here are some highlights:
- Challenges with DEI in Defense Contractors
- Impact of DEI on Corporate Governance
- Critique of Business Roundtable's Statement
- Specific DEI Practices and Their Actual Effects
- Legal and Public Pressure on Corporate Policies
- Positive Examples and Future Directions

We're at a crucial moment in national defense, when we need to focus on rebuilding our capabilities in an enormous way. We have neither time nor money to waste on failed divisive social experiments.

Dustin's article: https://shorturl.fm/QVbCc
The 1792 Exchange: https://1792exchange.com/
My anti-DEI Substack: https://manufacturingtalks.substack.com/p/its-time-to-abolish-dei

Send us a text

What I love about this episode is how Tony Gunn utterly, shamelessly shatters the myth of perfection.

Tony is a prominent advocate for manufacturing, and he shared his diverse and challenging journey from a troubled high school student to a leading voice in the industry. He discussed his early struggles, including dropping out of high school and being kicked out of multiple universities. Tony detailed his career progression from machining to sales and consulting, highlighting his contributions, such as creating patents and improving efficiency in precious metals machining. He also revealed his transition to public speaking and media, aiming to make manufacturing more visible and accessible. Tony announced plans to launch his own YouTube channel and podcast, "The Machinist Club," to further promote the industry.

Some of the highlights:
- Tony Gunn's Early Life and Education
- Transition to Machining and Early Career
- Career Progression and Sales Role
- Transition to Public Speaking and Media
- Future Plans and Vision for Manufacturing

There is so much goodness here, you would be doing yourself a huge disservice NOT to check out the whole thing!

Send us a text

Software runs the world these days, and the machining world is no different. And the biggest name in software there is Mastercam, so it was educational to have Russ Bukowski as our guest for this episode.

Russ, president of Mastercam, discussed the integral role of software in modern machining and Mastercam's mission to solve manufacturing challenges. He highlighted Mastercam's evolution, including its annual release cycle and recent acquisitions. Bukowski emphasized the importance of bridging the skills gap through AI features like Mastercam Co-Pilot and apprenticeship programs. He noted the need for automation to enhance productivity and quality of life for employees. Bukowski also stressed the importance of education and vocational training to address the trades gap and support reshoring efforts by improving efficiency and reducing costs in U.S. manufacturing.

Highlights:
- Mastercam's Mission and History
- Challenges and Opportunities in Modern Manufacturing
- The Role of Education and Parental Influence
- Mastercam's Efforts in Workforce Development
- Reshoring and Efficiency in Manufacturing
- Future Opportunities for Mastercam

This is an incredibly informative episode for those in machining, general manufacturing, and the business world alike! Check out the whole show.

Mastercam's website: https://www.mastercam.com/

Send us a text

The money game when it comes to funding your industrial business just got a bit easier.

Scott Peper, founder and CEO of Mobilization Funding, joined us to discuss his journey from sales in the medical device industry to founding Mobilization Funding, which provides working capital loans to manufacturers and commercial contractors. Scott highlighted the importance of understanding cash flow and the challenges manufacturers face in securing financing. He introduced the Maximus app, designed to streamline loan processes and provide real-time information to business owners. Scott emphasized the need for good systems, processes, and financial organization to attract investors and lenders. He also mentioned his book, "The Big Book of Cash Flow," and various educational resources available on their website and podcast.

Highlights:
- Understanding Manufacturing Cash Flow
- Introduction to the Maximus App
- Challenges and Pitfalls in Manufacturing Investments
- The Role of Mobilization Funding in Manufacturing Growth

If you need help with financing your business and getting your vital work accomplished, check out the whole show and the links below.

Mobilization Funding website: https://mobilizationfunding.com/
The Maximus app: https://mobilizationfunding.com/mobilization-funding-launches-maximus/
Cash flow tool: https://mobilizationfunding.com/project-cash-flow-calculator/
The Mobilization Mindset podcast: https://legacy.mobilizationfunding.com/realmferpod/
Scott's book, *The Big Book of Cash Flow:* https://tinyurl.com/43tsczth

#capital #funding #cashflow #manufacturing #industry #banking

Send us a text

It's always a treat to hear from folks who are building new American manufacturing businesses. So chatting with Michael Goerlich, who makes gun holsters just outside of Cleveland, was great fun.

Michael, owner of Raven Concealment Systems and president of Threshold Strategic Consulting, discussed his journey from a failed college student to a successful manufacturer. He detailed the growth of Raven, which started as a weekend hobby and expanded into a significant business due to the post-9/11 concealed carry market. Goerlich highlighted the challenges of the firearms industry, including access to capital and the impact of the pandemic. He emphasized the importance of agility and innovation, particularly in additive manufacturing, to stay competitive. Goerlich also shared his views on the potential for American manufacturing to thrive, especially in the Rust Belt.

Highlights:
- Michael's Background and Early Career
- Starting Raven Concealment Systems
- Expansion and Injection Molding
- Challenges and Opportunities in the Firearms Industry
- Consulting and Strategic Advice
- Impact of the Pandemic on the Firearms Industry
- Future of Manufacturing and American Innovation

It was an excellent conversation chock-full of practical know-how for everyone in manufacturing. Check out the whole thing!

Raven Concealment Systems: https://rcsgear.com/
Threshold Strategic Consulting: https://www.thresholdsc.com/

Send us a text

Man, this one was so much fun! I had one of my new favorite authors ever, Zach Hanson, join me to discuss ideas on closing the skilled trades gap from a very personal point of view.

Zach is the author of "The Trade Gap," about his journey from a white-collar tech job to learning trades in rural Idaho. Zach discusses the societal push for college over trades, his personal debt from higher education, and the impact of AI on jobs. He emphasizes the importance of skill acquisition for knowledge workers, sharing his experiences with welding and electrical work. Zach advocates for lifelong learning and monthly "misogi" challenges to build practical skills. He also mentions his other books, including "Turning Feral" and historical fiction set in Idaho.

Here are some of the highlights:
- Zach's Background and Personal Experiences
- The Trade Gap and Zach's Pursuit of DIY Skills
- Zach's Take on the Societal Success Mindset and College Debt
- Skill Acquisition and Personal Satisfaction
- Reaching Youth and Continuous Learning
- Zach's Other Books and Final Thoughts

This was such a wide-ranging and fascinating conversation - you owe it to yourself to check out every last word! You'll be glad you did.

And do check out Zach's books as well: https://tinyurl.com/4vpwy24h