Manufacturing Mavericks

Hosted by Datanomix

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Dec 2025

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Manufacturing Mavericks aren’t afraid to shake things up and stand out from the crowd. They are embracing the best tools and technology to showcase world-class American manufacturing and grow their business. Join Greg McHale, founder of Datanomix, as he sits down with these exceptional people to hear their stories and explore the important lessons they learned along the way. Listeners can gain valuable insights they can use in their own facilities to improve their bottom line.

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25 recent

December 10, 2025Episode 2442 min

Next Gen Leadership in Manufacturing

We’re closing out 2025 by spotlighting the leaders who aren’t just talking about the future of manufacturing—they’re building it in real time. This wrap-up episode features five voices who are rewriting what modern leadership on the shop floor actually looks like today—and where it's headed. Hear from five industry leaders, Adam Gordon , Daniel Anglemyer , Rebekah Colligan , Eric Van Orden , and Randall Leac —leaders who are rebuilding culture, elevating teams, and using data as a competitive edge instead of a quarterly report. Each guest shares their take on accountability, continuous improvement, and what happens when you care more about progress than hierarchy. Forget the old command-and-control playbook. This crew proves that when people and processes are prioritized, and information flows freely, everything else starts to accelerate. Show notes: 02:00 – Adam Gordon , Tendon Manufacturing How hiring with heart and building a culture of ownership drives real performance for Tendon Manufacturing. 05:45 – Daniel Anglemyer , Hipschman Daniel talks about his hands-on leadership, process discipline, and developing the next wave of shop-floor leaders. 11:25 – Rebekah Colligan , Phoenix Mecano Standardization, data visibility, and the engineering mindset are behind Rebekah’s major productivity gains. 26:40 – Eric Van Orden , Paramount Machine Eric believes that ownership, accountability, and high expectations as the fuel for a winning shop culture. 30:50 – Randall Leach , Riccarte Precision Randay shares why digital visibility, flexibility, and proactive decision-making define next-gen leadership. The Datanomix Difference: What Makes It Work? It’s not just what you see. It’s how fast you see it, how clearly it shows up, and how easily your team acts on it. Simple machine and data connectivity, handled by us Data that makes sense on day one No Operator Input™ means zero burden on your team for data entry Product Tracks built for actual shop floor behavior Stay connected to your shop floor with the Datanomix Mobile App Kick-Ass Coaching that walks the shop floor with your team and keeps you winning Best-in-class partnerships and integrations The Datanomix Community built on real relationships and real wins Mountains of success stories with manufacturers just like you Every customer starts with our Pilot Program Learn more at www.datanomix.io

October 29, 2025Episode 2321 min

From the Shop Floor to the National Stage

What does PMPA leadership in modern manufacturing really look like? In this episode of Manufacturing Mavericks , we sit down with Brian Adams , President of the Precision Machined Products Association (PMPA) , for a candid and wide-ranging conversation, recorded live at Datanomix HQ in Nashua, NH. Brian shares his personal journey from sweeping the shop floor at his family business to eventually leading PMPA at the national level. One handwritten letter to his uncle set the course for a lifelong career in precision manufacturing, and Brian has carried that legacy forward with humility, heart, and a focus on people. We dive into the evolution of the industry, the pressing need for skilled talent, and how PMPA’s mission of “Better Together” continues to shape shop culture across the country. As Brian puts it, true PMPA leadership in modern manufacturing means investing in relationships, education, and the next generation of craftsmen and women. Show Notes: (01:27) – Starting on the Shop Floor (04:23) – The Classic Broom & The Bridgeport (14:08) – Succession and Second-Generation Leadership (15:46) – Why PMPA Matters (17:20) – Adopting Technology to Stay Competitive (19:45) – Advice for the Next Generation The Datanomix Difference: What Makes It Work? It’s not just what you see. It’s how fast you see it, how clearly it shows up, and how easily your team acts on it. Simple machine and data connectivity, handled by us Data that makes sense on day one No Operator Input™ means zero burden on your team for data entry Product Tracks built for actual shop floor behavior Stay connected to your shop floor with the Datanomix Mobile App Kick-Ass Coaching that walks the shop floor with your team and keeps you winning Best-in-class partnerships and integrations The Datanomix Community built on real relationships and real wins Mountains of success stories with manufacturers just like you Every customer starts with our Pilot Program Learn more at www.datanomix.io

September 24, 2025Episode 2243 min

The Next Mountain: Paramount’s Multi-Generation Growth Story

In this episode of Manufacturing Mavericks , we're heading to Salt Lake City to talk with Steve Van Orden and Eric Van Orden —father and son leaders at Paramount Machine . Steve started the company in the family garage with a manual lathe and a bold vision. Now, Eric is helping lead the next chapter of growth with a focus on automation, people-first culture, and smart investments in technology. Eric opens up about why his dad made him start at the bottom and how that decision shaped his leadership style. From sweeping the shop floor to now helping run a 70-person team, Eric shares his perspective on generational transitions, developing trust within the team, and what it takes to modernize without losing your core. Together, Steve and Eric talk about the balancing act of family and business, the turning points in Paramount’s growth, and why listening to employees is a competitive advantage. If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to grow a shop across decades and do it with heart, humility, and smarts—this one’s for you. Show Notes: 2:20 — The garage days: How Paramount started with a manual lathe and a vision 4:03 — Why Eric started with a broom, not a title 7:43 — Choosing the shop over law school 10:43 — Why Steve invests based on employee feedback 14:25 — Betting on Swiss machines changed the game 19:25 — Developing new talent without a programming department 23:30 — Navigating the tension and trust of a family business 37:39 — Datanomix's positive change on Paramount's culture The Datanomix Difference: What Makes It Work? It’s not just what you see. It’s how fast you see it, how clearly it shows up, and how easily your team acts on it. Simple machine and data connectivity, handled by us Data that makes sense on day one No Operator Input™ means zero burden on your team for data entry Product Tracks built for actual shop floor behavior Stay connected to your shop floor with the Datanomix Mobile App Kick-Ass Coaching that walks the shop floor with your team and keeps you winning Best-in-class partnerships and integrations The Datanomix Community built on real relationships and real wins Mountains of success stories with manufacturers just like you Every customer starts with our Pilot Program Learn more at www.datanomix.io

July 30, 2025Episode 2141 min

The Impact of Betting on Yourself

What happens when you decide to bet on yourself and back it up with clear goals, data, and follow-through? In this episode of Manufacturing Mavericks , Greg sits down with Dan Plath , VP of Operations at MedFab Precision Solutions , to talk about what it means to take ownership of your career and your company’s future. Dan shares how he went from being a bored student to driving cultural and operational change on the shop floor. One meeting, metric, and mindset shift at a time. They explore why trusting yourself is only part of the equation and how pairing that drive with data and the right technologies creates real momentum. Dan shares his mindset on automation, the tools he’s using to unlock more from his team, and why embracing change is the key to staying competitive. You’ll also hear how the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) is helping MedFab align every part of the business, from leadership to the shop floor, and how data is driving smarter decisions, clearer priorities, and continuous improvement at every level. Highlights: 1:30 – How a CNC class sparked Dan’s passion for manufacturing 5:30 – Comparing big company structure vs. small company impact 7:30 – Why Dan left stability behind to bet on himself 12:00 – How life stages influence career decisions in manufacturing 14:00 - How adding an EOS drove positive cultural change 25:30 – Using data to drive smart decisions and avoid missteps 32:50 – Inside Med Fab’s test of in-machine automation 38:00 – Dan’s advice to anyone unsure of where they’re headed The Datanomix Difference: What Makes It Work? It’s not just what you see. It’s how fast you see it, how clearly it shows up, and how easily your team acts on it. Simple machine and data connectivity, handled by us Data that makes sense on day one No Operator Input™ means zero burden on your team for data entry Product Tracks built for actual shop floor behavior Stay connected to your shop floor with the Datanomix Mobile App Kick-Ass Coaching that walks the shop floor with your team and keeps you winning Best-in-class partnerships and integrations The Datanomix Community built on real relationships and real wins Mountains of success stories with manufacturers just like you Every customer starts with our Pilot Program Learn more at www.datanomix.io

June 25, 2025Episode 2034 min

From Mud to Metal - A Grit-Fueled Journey in Manufacturing

Manufacturing Manager, Daniel Anglemyer , didn’t take the traditional path into manufacturing, and that’s exactly why you’ll want to hear his story. From hog barns and cage fights to union shops and now leadership at Hibshman , Daniel brings grit, humility, and a clear-eyed approach to modern manufacturing! In this episode, he opens up about how culture, not just equipment, drives real change on the shop floor. You’ll hear how personal setbacks have transformed into leadership lessons, and why identifying and empowering emerging leaders in the industry is important. Additionally, he shares how technology is supporting the creation of a team-first, process-driven operation at Hibshman, where people show up, speak up, and take ownership. If you care about building strong teams, growing future leaders, and creating a shop culture that works, this episode is for you. Show Notes 01:54 — From Farming Roots to a Fourth-Generation Machinist 06:17 — Losing a Job But Finding a Path 10:51 — What MMA Taught Daniel About Leadership 13:42 — NTMA's Emerging Leaders program 22:21 — Turning Core Values into Action 26:51 — The Tools Behind Hipschman’s Smart Shop Transformation The Datanomix Difference: What Makes It Work? It’s not just what you see. It’s how fast you see it, how clearly it shows up, and how easily your team acts on it. Simple machine and data connectivity, handled by us Data that makes sense on day one No Operator Input™ means zero burden on your team for data entry Product Tracks built for actual shop floor behavior Stay connected to your shop floor with the Datanomix Mobile App Kick-Ass Coaching that walks the shop floor with your team and keeps you winning Best-in-class partnerships and integrations The Datanomix Community built on real relationships and real wins Mountains of success stories with manufacturers just like you Every customer starts with our Pilot Program Learn more at www.datanomix.io

May 28, 2025Episode 1939 min

A Champion for Change with Christina Collette

In this episode, we talk with Christina Collette , GM of Final Frontier Manufacturing (Formerly Action Industries) in Arvada, CO. She shares her path from managing teams in banking to rolling up her sleeves on the shop floor. What pushed the shift? A love of math and a frustration with repetition that evolved into a desire for work that challenged her to think, solve, and build. Christina breaks down how she has learned to spot the right professional and cultural fit in manufacturing and what she has picked up from peers in groups like NTMA . She also shares how Final Frontier is laying down a blueprint for the modern machine shop driven by digital tools, real-time data, and process automation that supports both quality and speed. We talk about what modernization looks like across a multi-generational workforce—and how Christina went from being cautious about change to leading the charge, becoming a strong voice for progress in the industry. If you're thinking about what it takes to lead change in manufacturing, you’ll want to hear this one. Show Notes 03:10 — From Banking to the Shop Floor 06:40 — Why Your Processes Aren’t Scaling 16:42 — The Generational Shift in Manufacturing 19:34 — Start with Data, Not Dollars 23:27 — Yes, Your Shop Needs Marketing 28.10 — Building a Tech Stack That Drives Flow 35:19 — What Christina Would Tell Her Younger Self The Datanomix Difference: What Makes It Work? It’s not just what you see. It’s how fast you see it, how clearly it shows up, and how easily your team acts on it. Simple machine and data connectivity, handled by us Data that makes sense on day one No Operator Input™ means zero burden on your team for data entry Product Tracks built for actual shop floor behavior Stay connected to your shop floor with the Datanomix Mobile App Kick-Ass Coaching that walks the shop floor with your team and keeps you winning Best-in-class partnerships and integrations The Datanomix Community built on real relationships and real wins Mountains of success stories with manufacturers just like you Every customer starts with our Pilot Program Learn more at www.datanomix.io

April 23, 2025Episode 1855 min

Cracking the CMMC 2.0 Code with Darren Gallop

What does it mean to be CMMC 2.0 Compliant ? Why does it matter, and how do manufacturers tackle it without getting lost in the weeds? Greg interviews Darren Gallop, CEO and founder of Carbide Secure , to cut through the noise on CMMC 2.0 and why starting with a self-assessment is step one . He digs into the certification process, budgeting, and tools available to support you on your journey to compliance. Plus, they clear up the confusion between NIST, ITAR, FedRAMP, and other compliance standards. Whether deep in the compliance process or just getting started, this episode gives you the insights—and the game plan—to keep your shop secure and ahead of the curve. Show Notes 00:58 The Importance of Compliance to Secure DOD Contacts 02:17 Current State of CMMC 2.0 04:36 Understanding the Requirements 15:30 The Risk Your Vendors and Software Play on Compliance 30:09 Real-World Examples 34:32 The Hard Way Vs. The Easy Way to Compliance 40:11 Preparing for Third-Party Certification 50:33 Maximizing Your Odds of Success 53:49 Tools and Resources for Compliance The Datanomix Difference: What Makes It Work? It’s not just what you see. It’s how fast you see it, how clearly it shows up, and how easily your team acts on it. Simple machine and data connectivity, handled by us Data that makes sense on day one No Operator Input™ means zero burden on your team for data entry Product Tracks built for actual shop floor behavior Stay connected to your shop floor with the Datanomix Mobile App Kick-Ass Coaching that walks the shop floor with your team and keeps you winning Best-in-class partnerships and integrations The Datanomix Community built on real relationships and real wins Mountains of success stories with manufacturers just like you Every customer starts with our Pilot Program Learn more at www.datanomix.io

March 26, 2025Episode 1735 min

From Homemade Furniture to Operational Excellence with Rebekah Collogan

In this episode of Manufacturing Mavericks , we’re excited to welcome Rebekah Collogan , a seasoned operations leader with years of experience in optimizing production, scaling teams, and driving continuous improvement on the shop floor. Rebekah shares her journey into manufacturing, her challenges in streamlining operations, and her strategies for boosting efficiency and eliminating bottlenecks. She embodies the idea that manufacturing success isn’t just about working harder—it’s about working smarter. We are honored to have Rebekah as our first female guest on the podcast, and we hope she will be the first of many women in manufacturing to share their stories on the show. She offers a unique and invaluable perspective on leadership and problem-solving, and she is enthusiastic about the power of real-time data in making strategic decisions. She explores the significance of visibility on the shop floor, the role of automation in minimizing downtime, and how modern manufacturers can stay competitive without introducing unnecessary complexity. This episode is filled with actionable insights on scaling your shop, enhancing productivity, and embracing the future of manufacturing. SHOW NOTES (1:19) Rebekah's background in manufacturing and journey into leadership. (3:54) Early Challenges & Lessons in Scaling Manufacturing (10:30) Providing Solutions and Making Customer’s Lives Easier (15:45) Identifying & Eliminating Bottlenecks (22:00) Leading Change & Building a Culture of Continuous Improvement (26:19) Operational Excellence & The Need For Accurate Data (35:00) Advice to a Young Rebekah The Datanomix Difference: What Makes It Work? It’s not just what you see. It’s how fast you see it, how clearly it shows up, and how easily your team acts on it. Simple machine and data connectivity, handled by us Data that makes sense on day one No Operator Input™ means zero burden on your team for data entry Product Tracks built for actual shop floor behavior Stay connected to your shop floor with the Datanomix Mobile App Kick-Ass Coaching that walks the shop floor with your team and keeps you winning Best-in-class partnerships and integrations The Datanomix Community built on real relationships and real wins Mountains of success stories with manufacturers just like you Every customer starts with our Pilot Program Learn more at www.datanomix.io

February 26, 2025Episode 1624 min

Showing Up & Second Chances with Kody Guidry

From a part-time job in college to becoming an equity partner in a thriving machine shop, Kody Guidry 's journey is anything but conventional. In this episode, we explore how Coastal Machine is scaling operations into defense, aerospace, oil & gas, why Kody supports hiring and training inexperienced talent instead of pursuing seasoned machinists, and how developing a strong employee pipeline is just as crucial as a sales pipeline. Plus, we discuss diversifying the business, investing in tech, and building a family-oriented culture. SHOW NOTES (1:36) Kody Guidry's journey from machinist to equity partner at Coastal Machine (9:53) A family-oriented culture is a core value (12:47) The shop’s investment in technology, marketing, and workforce development (13:35) Coastal’s growth strategy includes technology and diversifying the business (17:39) Why Coastal is focusing on hiring and training green talent (18:44) The importance of having an employee pipeline—just like a sales pipeline (21:52) Kody’s advice to his younger self and what it takes to succeed in manufacturing The Datanomix Difference: What Makes It Work? It’s not just what you see. It’s how fast you see it, how clearly it shows up, and how easily your team acts on it. Simple machine and data connectivity, handled by us Data that makes sense on day one No Operator Input™ means zero burden on your team for data entry Product Tracks built for actual shop floor behavior Stay connected to your shop floor with the Datanomix Mobile App Kick-Ass Coaching that walks the shop floor with your team and keeps you winning Best-in-class partnerships and integrations The Datanomix Community built on real relationships and real wins Mountains of success stories with manufacturers just like you Every customer starts with our Pilot Program Learn more at www.datanomix.io

January 29, 2025Episode 1542 min

Are You Up for the Fight? with Bob McGregor

In this episode of Manufacturing Mavericks, Bob McGregor , President of Neo Industries , shares his journey of turning around a micro-machining company in Colleyville, TX. When Bob purchased the struggling business, he had to navigate financial setbacks and make strategic decisions, including firing unprofitable customers and even sending apology fruit baskets—ultimately leading to success in contract manufacturing. Bob's persistence and optimism shine as he discusses learning new skills, overhauling operations, and rebuilding customer trust. The conversation offers insights into the challenges and rewards of revitalizing a manufacturing company. SHOW NOTES 01:22 How the fight began (The Origins of Neo Industries). 06:00 Leaning on fFamily for support. 09:38 What comes after the fight? 10:45 Rebuilding begins with finding low-hanging fruit. 13:26 Navigating COVID and defense contracts. 15:48 Rebuilding trust and firing bad customers. 17:35 Overcoming cultural shifts and starting over. 24:32 What it means to be a Manufacturing Maverick. 26:32 The zero principal & putting your customers first. 28:38 When you’re ready to win, stop doing the things that cause you to lose. 30:38 Making the change to contract manufacturing. 40:32 What Bob would tell his younger self. The Datanomix Difference: What Makes It Work? It’s not just what you see. It’s how fast you see it, how clearly it shows up, and how easily your team acts on it. Simple machine and data connectivity, handled by us Data that makes sense on day one No Operator Input™ means zero burden on your team for data entry Product Tracks built for actual shop floor behavior Stay connected to your shop floor with the Datanomix Mobile App Kick-Ass Coaching that walks the shop floor with your team and keeps you winning Best-in-class partnerships and integrations The Datanomix Community built on real relationships and real wins Mountains of success stories with manufacturers just like you Every customer starts with our Pilot Program Learn more at www.datanomix.io