by Paul Van Metre
The Machine Shop Mastery Podcast helps to elevate the importance of the machine shop industry and reveal the secrets of success for machine shops, to inspire other shop owners or would-be shop owners to follow their passions, start and grow their shops to be an economic driver for our economy and their stakeholders.
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🇺🇲
Publishing Since
5/16/2022
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April 23, 2025
<p>What happens when a serial entrepreneur with seven businesses under his belt decides to go all-in on graphite machining—and does it with some of the fastest, most precise equipment on the planet? You get Matt Gawlik, and in this episode of Machine Shop Mastery, he brings the heat. Host Paul Van Metre sits down with Matt to unpack a no-BS journey through business wins, failures, and the strategies that separate thriving shops from the ones barely hanging on.</p> <p>From his early roots in a multi-generational manufacturing family to building 3D Graphite into a tightly focused, high-performing operation, Matt shares hard-won lessons about the value of specialization, the power of investing in elite equipment, and why systems—not micromanagement—should run your shop. His take on partnerships is equally honest: most are a sinking ship unless you go in with rock-solid agreements and aligned values.</p> <p>But the real anchor of this episode is Matt’s perspective on sales. “Sales is the tip of the spear,” he says—and without a full pipeline, your business ends up serving the wrong customers and losing money in the process. He lays out how smart, honest marketing and brand clarity can unlock better-fit clients, smoother operations, and a more profitable shop.</p> <p>If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to level up your manufacturing business, this episode delivers straight talk, sharp insight, and more than a few mic-drop moments.</p> <h2>You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...</h2> <ul> <li>(0:09) Unlock hidden revenue: How CLA helps manufacturers grow profitably</li> <li>(1:24) Meet Matt Gawlik: Serial entrepreneur, niche expert, and straight shooter</li> <li>(3:46) From family business to seven ventures: Matt’s hard-won startup lessons</li> <li>(6:19) The truth about partnerships—and why most are doomed from the start</li> <li>(9:45) Why high-end equipment like Röders gave Matt a serious edge</li> <li>(17:33) How smart setups + elite machines = unbeatable profitability</li> <li>(21:52) The fast track to innovation: YouTube, tool reps, and expert help</li> <li>(23:24) Benchmark your shop: Why the Top Shop Survey is a no-brainer</li> <li>(25:18) Culture that performs: Grit, self-awareness, and emotional maturity</li> <li>(29:24) Sales is survival: Why most shops are stuck—and how to break free</li> <li>(34:19) Don’t do it all: Why niche focus is your most powerful strategy</li> <li>(37:32) Matt’s playbook for marketing a machine shop the smart way</li> <li>(43:26) Final takeaways: Systems, people, and the power of staying focused</li> <li>(46:54) Why you need to check out the MakingSparks podcast</li> </ul> <h2>Resources & People Mentioned</h2> <ul> <li>Learn how to grow your top and bottom-line with <a href= "https://www.claconnect.com/en/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">CLA</a></li> <li>Know how your shop stacks up by taking the <a href= "http://mmsonline.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Top Shop Survey</a></li> <li>Angela Duckworth’s <a href= "https://angeladuckworth.com/grit-scale/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">Grit Scale</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/type-descriptions/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Enneagram Types</a></li> <li><a href= "https://www.amazon.com/Sales-Bible-New-Ultimate-Resource/dp/1118985818" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Sales Bible</a></li> <li><a href= "https://www.amazon.com/Obviously-Awesome-Product-Positioning-Customers/dp/1999023005" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Obviously Awesome</a></li> <li><a href= "https://www.amazon.com/Start-Why-Leaders-Inspire-Everyone/dp/1591846447" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Start with Why</a></li> </ul> <h2>Connect with Matt Gawlik</h2> <ul> <li>Connect on <a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-gawlik-0b0b5048/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LinkedIn</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.3dgraphite.com/home" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">3D Graphite and Machining</a></li> </ul> <h2>Connect With Machine Shop Mastery</h2> <ul> <li>The <a href="https://machineshopmastery.com/" target= "_blank" rel="noopener">website</a></li> <li><a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/company/machine-shop-mastery/" target= "_blank" rel="noopener">LinkedIn</a></li> <li><a href= "https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJXlmhnbdq-_1SjU30w0GOw" target= "_blank" rel="noopener">YouTube</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/machineshopmastery/" target= "_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a></li> </ul> <p><strong>Subscribe to Machine Shop Mastery on</strong></p> <p><a href= "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/machine-shop-mastery/id1624547281" target="_blank" rel= "noopener"><strong>Apple</strong></a><strong>, </strong><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/6wlfCZk8NUxjhFctkQiqMR" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Spotify</strong></a></p> <p><br /> Audio Production and Show Notes by - <a href= "https://www.podcastfasttrack.com" target="_blank" rel= "noopener"><strong>PODCAST FAST TRACK</strong></a></p>
April 19, 2025
<p dir="ltr">Most small manufacturers don’t realize they’re being quietly supported by one of the most impactful public-private partnerships in the country. The Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) has long been the hidden backbone behind training programs, grant facilitation, process improvements, and critical tech upgrades for shops across the U.S. But recent Federal decisions to defund these programs—without clear communication or reasoning—have sparked confusion and alarm among industry insiders.</p> <p dir="ltr">In this episode, a passionate roundtable of manufacturers and advocates reveals just how deeply the MEPs have shaped their businesses, supported workforce development, and opened doors to opportunity they couldn’t have accessed alone. From AR-integrated quoting tools to automation investment guidance, these stories show a clear economic impact that extends far beyond individual shops—right into the health of local communities and the national manufacturing strategy.</p> <p dir="ltr">If you're just hearing about MEPs now, you're not alone—but you are at risk. This conversation lays out what’s at stake, why it matters, and what you can do right now to help save a resource that quietly powers tens of thousands of manufacturers nationwide.</p> <p>YouTube: <a href= "https://youtu.be/WNjevmTNUu4">https://youtu.be/WNjevmTNUu4</a></p> <p>VideoAsk: https://www.videoask.com/fiyvfkcdd</p>
April 9, 2025
<p>buildings—I knew I had to talk to the guy behind it. In this episode, I sit down with Billy Hogge, the second-generation leader of Screwmatics out of Pageland, South Carolina. His story is incredible. His parents started the company 37 years ago with just two screw machines, and today it’s grown into one of the largest and most efficient high-volume machining operations I’ve ever seen.</p> <p>We talk about how Billy and his team have scaled so effectively by staying relentlessly sales-driven—even when they’re at capacity—and by reinvesting in automation, Swiss and CNC machines, and lights-out manufacturing. One of the wildest things he shares? Their top six customers today weren’t even customers five years ago. That’s how aggressive and strategic their growth has been.</p> <p>We also dive deep into workforce development. Billy’s all-in on building the next generation of machinists, partnering with local schools, serving on state workforce boards, and even helping shape tech school curriculums. He shares some great tips for how to find and keep good people—and how to help them grow within your team.</p> <p>Whether you’re running a small job shop or a larger operation, there’s something here for everyone. Billy offers so much wisdom on machine strategy, culture, sales, and what it really takes to grow and modernize a shop in today’s market. This one’s packed with insights, and I’m confident you’ll walk away inspired—and probably scribbling down a few action items.</p> <h2>You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...</h2> <ul> <li>(0:22) Why you need to complete the Modern Machine Shop Top Shops Survey</li> <li>(1:50) Overview of Screwmatics’ size, history, and impressive 16-building campus</li> <li>(7:41) How they run lights-out automation and fully automated second shifts</li> <li>(9:13) Learn more about Screwmatic’s global client base</li> <li>(13:07) Billy’s personal journey into the business and rise to vice president</li> <li>(16:09) Achieving growth without a designated sales team</li> <li>(20:42) The secret sauce in Screwmatic’s process</li> <li>(25:45) Operating in a high-volume environment</li> <li>(28:20) Why Billy is always filling the pipeline with opportunities </li> <li>(35:54) Strategic machine investments using Section 179 with strong ROI focus</li> <li>(37:24) Partnering with schools and shaping curriculum for workforce development</li> <li>(45:17) Their culture of individual growth, flexible pay, and long-term employee success</li> <li>(48:09) Using ChatGPT to train operators on G-code and boost self-learning</li> <li>(50:00) The automation implementation process at Screwmatics </li> <li>(1:03:20) Why you need to listen to the Lights Out podcast</li> </ul> <h2>Resources & People Mentioned</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://gardnerintelligence.research.net/r/MPTQ9L8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Complete the Modern Machine Shop Top Shops Survey</a></li> </ul> <h2>Connect with Billy Hogge</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://screwmatics.com/site/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">Screwmatics</a></li> <li>Connect on <a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/in/billy-hogge-271230158/" target= "_blank" rel="noopener">LinkedIn</a></li> <li>[email protected]</li> </ul> <h2>Connect With Machine Shop Mastery</h2> <ul> <li>The <a href="https://machineshopmastery.com/" target= "_blank" rel="noopener">website</a></li> <li><a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/company/machine-shop-mastery/" target= "_blank" rel="noopener">LinkedIn</a></li> <li><a href= "https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJXlmhnbdq-_1SjU30w0GOw" target= "_blank" rel="noopener">YouTube</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/machineshopmastery/" target= "_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a></li> </ul> <p><strong>Subscribe to Machine Shop Mastery on</strong></p> <p><a href= "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/machine-shop-mastery/id1624547281" target="_blank" rel= "noopener"><strong>Apple</strong></a><strong>, </strong><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/6wlfCZk8NUxjhFctkQiqMR" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Spotify</strong></a></p> <p><br /> Audio Production and Show Notes by - <a href= "https://www.podcastfasttrack.com" target="_blank" rel= "noopener"><strong>PODCAST FAST TRACK</strong></a></p>
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