Today’s guest is Kirk Phelps from American Precision Partners, a key figure driving the growth and transformation of multiple machine shops. Kirk’s journey into machining began as a teenager in his dad’s shop, where he started on manual machines while attending trade school.

After experiencing burnout, Kirk joined the Air Force and served for six years, eventually returning to machining with a fresh perspective. Through programming and a transition into management, Kirk discovered his passion for business development and leadership.

Now, as Regional Manager at American Precision Partners, Kirk oversees five—soon to be six—shops, working alongside Mike Fritz (featured in Episodes #57 and #58). Kirk plays a critical role in identifying strengths, addressing deficiencies, and leading cultural transformations within each shop.

Kirk’s approach centers on building trust—both internally and with customers—to ensure smooth transitions. His dedication to fostering alignment between leadership and shop floor teams has driven impressive results, including a 40% growth last year at Quick Tek Machining.

In this episode, we’ll explore how Kirk cultivates trust, transforms systems and processes, and builds a culture of continuous improvement to unlock a shop’s full potential.

If you’re looking to enhance your shop’s operations, engage your team, or gain insights from a leader who leads by example, this episode is one you won’t want to miss.

• (0:50) Introducing Kirk Phelps with American Precision Partners
• (5:40) Diving into Kirk’s role as Regional Manager
• (10:56) What’s different about working on the business
• (16:43) How Kirk approaches conversations with customers
• (27:38) Tackling on-time delivery in any shop
• (31:02) Building trust with your leadership teams
• (40:47) How a new process can transform your shop
• (45:24) The importance of becoming a better leader
• (53:59) Creating a culture of continuous improvement

• Episode #57 with Mike Fritz
• Episode #58 with Mike Fritz

• Connect on LinkedIn
• Kirk@QuickTekMachining.com
• Quick Tek Machining

• The website
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• Instagram

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Audio Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK

Dave bought two very different precision machining companies. One makes large gears in small volumes, and the other specializes in high-volume contract Swiss machining and other production machining. As an outsider to the industry, and not a technical shop owner, Dave shows that it’s not only possible, but an advantage not to be able to do programming, machining and the technical work of a machining company. Instead, he provides resources, sets the vision and builds and supports the team while focusing on finance, sales & marketing, and the other things he has so much experience with. There is a lot of wisdom to this approach for scalability and ultimately company value. If you’re considering buying a manufacturing company, or currently own one and want to work ON the business more often, this will be a valuable episode to listen to.

Bravery, Grit and Can-Do attitude are in ample supply with Steve and Jamie Michon. They started a machine shop with 3 young boys, very little money, lived in Steve’s parent's basement, and bought a thrashed Fadal that Steve needed to completely rebuild before he could make parts on it. Similarly, Jamie knew nothing about Quickbooks, or the business side of running a machining company. But none of those things stopped them from realizing their dream. Thankfully Steve had a very supportive network of prior contacts and employers who provided them with work and allowed them to organically grow into the powerhouse they are today. This is a wonderful American dream story of a couple working side by side to grow a successful business and a family at the same time. I know you’ll love their story and this interview.

Steve's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-michon-290091109/

Jamie's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-michon-8a78641/

Zero Tolerance Website: https://www.zerotolerancecnc.com/

Culture by Design: https://www.amazon.com/Culture-Design-individual-organizational-performance/dp/0692100784?dplnkId=d08a71d0-5681-4a63-93a3-8eb7f951265c&nodl=1

67. Betting it All on a Dream with Ashley Hunsaker from HTS Coatings

Even before Ashley and her husband Jason opened their doors, they nearly had to file for bankruptcy, because an insurance company deemed her more valuable dead than alive - because she was a stay-at-home mom. Thankfully, a wonderful human intervened and saved the business before it started. From there, this mission and values-driven company has exploded in growth and is changing lives and their community. After you listen to this authentic and vulnerable interview, you’ll understand why HTS Coatings is growing so quickly and doing so well. In fact, I think they perfectly fit the old adage of doing well by doing good! Enjoy the interview!

About HTS Coatings:
HTS Coatings is a full service thermal spray, welding, machining and grinding company. A break down in equipment is always a rush job and here at HTS we strive to get you back up and running with high quality repairs to meet your needs. We know and understand how to repair components and how to make them last longer.

Follow Ashley and HTS Coatings on Social Media:
Personal LI: /ashley-hunsaker
Company LI: /hts-coatings-llc
Website: www.htscoatings.com
Facebook: /htscoatings
X: /htscoatings

66. Passionate Partnership for the Win with Mitch and Brian Olson from OCD

The Olson brothers, Brian and Mitch learned about winning, losing and grit on the racetrack. When it came time to move on from the dangers of racing, they decided to start a CNC machine shop, having never even turned on a CNC machine in their lives! Those lessons learned in the race paddock and on the track proved invaluable as they launched their business. With incredible determination to succeed and passion for their customers, continuous improvement, and a sales-driven mentality, they’ve grown to nearly 70 employees and 22 machines in less than 10 years, serving high-end industries like medical, defense and space. For any shop looking for inspiration on how to do things right and well, this is a can’t miss episode.

About OCD:
The team at Olson Custom Designs has a solution to complete it with the highest precision. We are a cutting-edge manufacturer supplying innovative services ranging from precision machining and fabrication to quality assurance and project management. Our team of Engineers, Machinists, Fabricators and Quality personnel, combined with our advanced manufacturing facility can provide you with the best solutions – as lean as possible.

Follow Mitch, Brian and OCD on Social Media:
Mitch's LI: /mitch-olson
Brian's LI: /brian-olson
Company: /olson-custom-designs
Website: www.olsoncustomdesigns.com
FB: /OlsonCustomDesigns
X: /OCDfab

65. 4 Generations of Machining Legacy with Denny Smith from NMC, Inc.

Denny is the 3rd generation owner and President of Northside Machine Company in Dugger Indiana. His son is now working in the business as well making him the 4th generation of Smiths to be involved in the business. This role is one that Denny takes very seriously, and he is determined to continue making NMC Inc the best company it can be. In this fun conversation recorded live at IMTS 2024, Denny talks about how his family has build NMC into a large machine shop by focusing on things that move the business forward, taking over the downtown of Dugger, and how a move to be more realistic about how the company was with its communication and empowering their already committed team members has made a world of difference!

About NMC, Inc.:
A family-owned and operated business, specializing in precision CNC milling and turning of metal and plastic parts, as well as CNC fabrication, welding, and assembly. Founded in 1965 as Northside Machine Company, NMC has been at its current location since 1982, and after several expansions over the years, it has become the 41,300 ft2 climate-controlled manufacturing facility that it is today. Currently, we provide high-quality components to the military, firearms, and aerospace industries. After many years of working successfully in these markets, we feel we offer something special to our customers: On-time Service, Quality Workmanship, and Competitive Pricing. NMC has built a first-class reputation on these characteristics.

Follow Denny and NMC, Inc. on Social Media:
Personal LI: /denny-smith
Company LI: /company/nmc-inc
Website: www.northsidemachine.com
Facebook: /northsidemachinecoinc