• The PEO Playbook: How Small Shops Compete Like Big Employers, Ep #45
    Apr 30 2026
    If you're like most shop owners, HR, payroll, and benefits are necessary evils—important, but far from the reason you got into manufacturing in the first place. Yet those "back-office" functions can quietly drain your time, introduce risk, and even limit your ability to attract and retain great people. In this episode of Buy the Numbers, Mike sits down with John from Thrive PEO to unpack one of the most misunderstood tools available to small and mid-sized manufacturers: the Professional Employer Organization (PEO). What starts as a conversation about payroll quickly expands into a broader discussion about risk management, employee benefits, compliance, and how to build a business that can punch above its weight class. They break down common myths—like "we're too small" or "it's just outsourced payroll"—and reveal how PEOs actually create leverage. From accessing Fortune 500-level benefits to removing administrative burdens and reducing liability, this episode reframes HR from a cost center into a strategic advantage. But beyond the numbers, this conversation is really about focus. What happens when you reclaim hours every week? What could you do if you stopped worrying about compliance, payroll taxes, and benefits administration—and started reinvesting that time into growth, people, and profitability? If you've ever felt stretched thin trying to manage everything yourself, this episode might just introduce the "easy button" your business didn't know it needed. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... (0:00) How PEOs give small businesses access to large-company benefits and pricing(2:52) What a PEO is and how it consolidates HR, payroll, and benefits(6:00) Real-world example of fragmented HR functions vs. a unified PEO solution(8:07) Myth: "We're too small for a PEO" and why size doesn't matter(11:33) Leveraging pooled buying power to offer better, more affordable benefits(14:57) Breaking down the "too expensive" myth with real financial logic(17:14) Grow your top and bottom line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA)(18:11) The three pillars of HR within a PEO: compliance, support, and technology(19:55) Using PEOs as a resource for handling sensitive employee situations(22:31) Enhancing employee experience through onboarding and HR tech(23:39) Real example: outdated employee policies and the risk of non-compliance(25:39) Constantly evolving employment laws and the challenge of staying compliant(27:11) Integrating HR systems with quality management and compliance requirements(29:38) Get a free report of sales opportunities in your area from FacturMFG.com/chips(30:46) Opportunity cost: what business owners could do with time saved(34:04) Hidden costs: liability, lawsuits, and compliance risks(36:20) Expanding into retirement benefits and 401(k) access through PEOs(39:16) Quality of life improvements for owners and leadership teams(41:02) Why you need to have a conversation with Verdant Commercial Capital(41:41) How to evaluate and choose the right PEO provider(44:34) Payroll tax risks and real-world horror stories for small businesses(46:56) Cash flow challenges and how PEOs stabilize payroll-related expenses(49:53) Key criteria: people, processes, and platform when selecting a PEO(53:21) How to connect with Jon to explore Thrive PEO for your business(55:16) Final takeaway: using a PEO to "punch above your weight" in talent and growth Resources & People Mentioned MakingChips Seasons: Small Shop Owners Can Thrive with a PEO, 349Grow your top and bottom line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA)Get a free report of sales opportunities in your area from FacturMFG.com/chipsWhy you need to have a conversation with Verdant Commercial CapitalNAPEO.org Connect with Jon Scoggins Thrive PEOConnect on LinkedIn Connect With Buy the Numbers Follow on LinkedInConnect with Mike Payne on LinkedIn Subscribe to Buy the Numbers on Apple + Spotify
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    55 mins
  • Breaking the Ceiling: Systems, Data, and the Truth About Scaling a Machine Shop, Ep #44
    Apr 16 2026
    Breaking the Ceiling: Systems, Data, and the Truth About Scaling a Machine Shop, Ep #44 Manufacturing will humble you—no matter how good you get. I was talking with someone recently about how this might be the only industry where you can perform at a world-class level and still lose money on scrap. That's just the reality we operate in. So the question becomes: how do you build a business that can actually handle that kind of pressure? In this episode of Buy the Numbers, I sit down with Scott Shortess—someone I've known and trusted for years—to talk through what it really takes to break through that next level of growth. We've both seen shops get stuck. Flat revenue, constant firefighting, and that feeling that no matter what you do, you're not gaining ground. I've been there myself. For me, one of the biggest shifts came when I realized I couldn't scale without better systems, processes, and visibility. Scott shares a similar journey—moving from a legacy system that no longer fit the business to something that completely transformed how his shop operates. And I've seen that transformation firsthand. It's not just about better data—it's about changing how your entire organization thinks and works. We also get into the reality of what's happening right now with AI, custom-built systems, and the temptation to "just figure it out yourself." I've seen a lot of people go down that road. And while it can work, the bigger question is: is that really the best use of your time as a business owner? At the end of the day, this episode is about clarity. When you have the right systems in place, you stop guessing. You stop reacting. And you start making decisions with confidence. That's what allows you to grow—and just as importantly, actually enjoy the business you've built. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... (0:00) Why manufacturing is one of the hardest industries—and learning to accept failure as part of the game(2:51) Scott's background, our relationship, and why collaboration matters (even among competitors)(7:19) How ProShop is critical to your ability to operate and scale(12:25) The chaos of operating without visibility—and how systems create accountability(16:22) The "4 P's": People, Process, Product, Profit—and why profit can't be ignored(18:12) Data, KPIs, and what actually matters to customers (quality, delivery, price)(21:25) Head to the DN Solutions Manufacturing Without Limits event(22:27) "Opportunity to cash": how to think about the flow of a manufacturing business(27:28) You're never too small to implement an ERP(30:02) Check out the Hennig WorkFlow Automated Pallet Delivery System(30:55) AI, "vibe coding," and the temptation to build your own systems(40:05) Using data to make better decisions—including when to say "no"(41:20) Culture transformation: how systems change behavior across the business(46:25) Why industry best practices beat homegrown systems(49:44) Manufacturing vs. baseball: embracing imperfection in a high-stakes industry(50:11) Real-world example of speed, planning, and execution under pressure(52:49) Grow your top and bottom line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA)(53:30) The biggest operational shifts: visibility, capacity, and flow(57:48) The ultimate benefit: getting your time back as an owner Resources & People Mentioned ProShop ERPHead to the DN Solutions Manufacturing Without Limits eventCheck out the Hennig WorkFlow Automated Pallet Delivery SystemGrow your top and bottom line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) Connect with Scott Shortess Advanced PMCScott Shortess on LinkedIn Connect With Buy the Numbers Follow on LinkedInConnect with Mike Payne on LinkedIn Subscribe to Buy the Numbers on Apple + Spotify Audio Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Trust First, Numbers Second: The Leadership Playbook Manufacturing Shops Are Missing, Ep #43
    Apr 2 2026
    What actually makes leadership work in a manufacturing environment? Is it KPIs, lean systems, and dashboards? Or is it something far more human? In this episode of Buy the Numbers, I sit down with Jason Woodard, COO of Geislinger Corporation and author of Manufacturing Leadership That Works, to unpack the leadership principles that drive real operational performance. While the conversation touches on KPIs, accountability, and operating cadence, the foundation is surprisingly simple: trust. Jason argues that before you can improve numbers, you have to earn credibility with your team through transparency, vulnerability, and consistency. The discussion explores the common traps leaders fall into, especially believing they're being kind by avoiding difficult conversations. In reality, that avoidance slowly erodes culture, drives away high performers, and lowers organizational standards. Jason shares practical examples of balancing empathy with accountability, and how clarity of expectations is the key to holding teams responsible without becoming the "jerk boss." From there, the conversation moves into operational discipline. Jason walks through the core KPIs every manufacturing business should track, why safety-quality-delivery-cost is the right order, and how leading indicators often reveal problems long before financials do. He also explains how daily, weekly, and monthly meeting cadence builds alignment and eliminates surprises. This episode blends leadership philosophy with actionable operational structure. Whether you're leading five people or five hundred, the takeaway is clear: strong culture drives strong numbers, and both require intentional leadership. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... (0:00) The overarching theme leaders should take away from Jason's book(2:00) Learn more about Jason Woodard and Geislinger Corporation(5:19) An overview of Jason's book Manufacturing Leadership That Works(10:17) Why trust is the foundation of leadership and business performance(14:58) An investment in ProShop ERP is an investment in your business (16:38) What is the biggest lie leaders tell themselves about performance issues?(21:23) How to balance empathy, grace, and accountability with employees(26:06) Why we created Hire MFG Leaders (and why you should use it)(26:37) Why clear expectations must come before accountability(32:03) What KPIs should manufacturing leaders track across the organization?(36:30) How KPIs should cascade from leadership to the shop floor(40:21) What does an effective daily production meeting look like?(45:14) How weekly pulse meetings and monthly reviews prevent surprises(46:45) Why leaders should "just start" building an operating cadence(48:50) Grow your top and bottom line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA)(49:30) What numbers quietly kill profitability if you don't track them(52:07) Where to find the book and how teams can use it for development Resources & People Mentioned An investment in ProShop ERP is an investment in your business Why we created Hire MFG Leaders (and why you should use it)Grow your top and bottom line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA)Datanomix Connect with Jason Woodard Manufacturing Leadership That WorksGeislinger CorporationBuy 10 or more copies for your team and get two 30 minute calls with Jason (reach out on LinkedIn) Connect With Buy the Numbers Follow on LinkedInConnect with Mike Payne on LinkedIn Subscribe to Buy the Numbers on Apple + Spotify
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    56 mins
  • CMMC Is Coming — What It Means for Your Shop, Your Costs, and Your Customers, Ep #42
    Mar 19 2026
    CMMC is no longer something manufacturers can afford to ignore. If you're doing work in the defense supply chain—or even thinking about it—this is quickly becoming a requirement, not a "nice to have." And what makes it challenging is that it's not just about passing an audit. It's about how your entire business handles data, systems, and security. In this episode of Buy the Numbers, we break down what CMMC actually means for manufacturers in practical terms. What does it require? What does it cost? And how do you even begin to approach something that touches everything from your ERP to who can access your building? We walk through the full scope of compliance—from documentation and system requirements to concepts like FedRAMP, POAMs, and shared responsibility across your vendor network. We also dig into the financial side, including how to think about ROI, the real cost and timeline, and why this could become a barrier to entry for some shops. If you're unsure whether CMMC applies to you—or how serious you need to take it yet—this episode will give you a clear, practical starting point. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... (0:00) CMMC requirements and what manufacturers need to know(3:30) Why compliance is becoming a real financial consideration(8:52) The process of CMMC: systems, documentation, and process changes(16:51) A discussion about FedRAMP compliance(19:35) User access, building control, and security considerations(22:57) Get a free report of sales opportunities in your area at FacturMFG.com/chips (24:01) Get advice from a Registered Practitioner Organizations (RPOs) (25:01) How ProShop helps you reach CMMC compliance(31:26) The real cost of compliance and how to think about ROI(33:51) POAM: Plan of Actions and Milestones (35:40) CMMC compliance may be a barrier to entry for some shops—but not all(41:47) The vendors you use must also protect CUI(45:40) Grow your top and bottom line with CLA(46:51) Cost and timeline for CMMC compliance(50:04) Do your due diligence on any consultant you may use(51:40) Ask your supplier for a "Shared Responsibility Matrix"(54:46) Why we love SMW Autoblok for workholding(55:30) Who is currently FedRamp compliant?(59:41) The opportunities that will be available if you're CMMC compliant (1:04:31) Does the math make sense for your shop to become compliant? (1:09:10) Assess your readiness and build systems around it Resources & People Mentioned CMMC Acronym Cheat Sheet for ManufacturersNIST SP 800-0171 DocumentGet a free report of sales opportunities in your area at FacturMFG.com/chips Grow your top and bottom line with CLAWhy we love SMW Autoblok for workholdingAsk your supplier for a "Shared Responsibility Matrix"GroundControlHighQA Connect with Paul Van Metre ProShop ERPProShop's CMMC Starter GuideConnect with Paul on LinkedIn Connect With Buy the Numbers Follow on LinkedInConnect with Mike Payne on LinkedIn Subscribe to Buy the Numbers on Apple + Spotify Audio Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK
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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • The Overlooked Expense: How Utility Assessments Can Unlock Hidden Savings, Ep #41
    Mar 5 2026
    Most of the time on Buy the Numbers, we focus on revenue growth, margin improvement, cash flow strategy, or capital investments. But in this episode, we turn our attention to something many manufacturers rarely question: utility expenses. Electricity. Gas. Water. Sewer. Waste. For most of us, these bills show up, we pay them, and we move on. They're viewed as fixed costs of doing business. But what if they're not as fixed as we think? In this episode, I'm joined by Lori Demeyer and Leticia Lawson from CliftonLarsonAllen to talk about utility assessments — what they are, how they work, and where manufacturers may be leaving real money on the table. We discuss exemption certificates, rate classifications, time-of-use billing, meter configurations, and why businesses in certain states may have more opportunity than they realize. Most importantly, we walk through the process and risk profile so owners can decide if it's worth exploring. If you've ever assumed your utility bills are simply "the cost of doing business," this conversation may change how you think about one of the most overlooked lines on your P&L. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... (0:00) Nearly $1M in utility savings: what's possible over multiple years(1:10) Introducing Lori Demeyer and Leticia Lawson from CLA(3:55) What a utility assessment actually is and how it works(7:37) Manufacturing exemptions and how they apply to utilities(9:59) Grow your top and bottom line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA)(10:40) Common billing errors, expired exemptions, and missed documentation(13:53) Rate classifications, multiple meters, and usage breakdowns(18:18) Incentives, business riders, and time-of-use rate opportunities(22:39) Get a free report of sales opportunities in your industry from facturmfg.com/chips(23:45) Who should consider a utility review and ideal spend profiles(26:36) State-by-state complexity and why California and the Northeast stand out(31:39) What the review process looks like (30–45 days, minimal client lift)(36:19) What happens if savings are identified and how implementation works(38:41) Real-world savings examples: six-figure and seven-figure impact(42:13) Why utility assessments are typically low-risk and contingency-based(45:00) How ProShop can help you achieve on-time delivery Resources & People Mentioned Grow your top and bottom line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA)Get a free report of sales opportunities in your industry from facturmfg.com/chipsHow ProShop can help you achieve on-time delivery Connect with Lori and Leticia CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA)Connect with Lori Demeyer on LinkedInConnect with Leticia Lawson on LinkedIn Connect With Buy the Numbers Follow on LinkedInConnect with Mike Payne on LinkedIn Subscribe to Buy the Numbers on Apple + Spotify Audio Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK
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    48 mins
  • Don't Just File the Return — How Smart Tax Planning Pays Off Over Time, Ep #40
    Feb 12 2026
    Too many manufacturers treat taxes as a once-a-year compliance exercise. You gather the documents, sign the return, write the check, and move on. But the reality is that tax planning is one of the most powerful strategic tools available to business owners, especially in capital-intensive industries like manufacturing. In this episode of Buy the Numbers, I'm joined by Dylan Valentyn and Julie Helms from CliftonLarsonAllen to walk through what manufacturers should actually be thinking about as they prepare their 2025 returns and look ahead to 2026. This conversation builds on recent tax law changes and focuses less on loopholes and more on decision-making, timing, and tradeoffs. We talk about accounting method changes, bonus depreciation, R&D tax credits, inventory strategies, and real estate considerations, but always through the lens of practicality. Just because you can take a deduction doesn't always mean you should. The right answer depends on cash flow, growth plans, ownership structure, and even your long-term exit strategy. If you've ever wondered whether you're leaving money on the table or pulling the wrong levers at the wrong time, this episode is a reminder that the biggest tax wins usually come from planning ahead, asking better questions, and having the right advisors in your corner. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... (0:00) Why tax planning should go beyond annual compliance(0:58) Introducing Dylan Valentyn and Julie Helms from CLA(2:51) Cash vs accrual accounting and when switching methods makes sense(6:39) How Factur can help you build out your sales pipeline (7:47) Using accounting method changes to manage cash flow timing(10:19) What didn't change in recent tax law and why that matters(11:39) Bonus depreciation returns: what qualifies and key dates to know(13:47) Net operating losses, carryforwards, and practical limits(17:34) Timing deductions vs paying taxes over the life of the business(18:42) Section 174 changes and catching up prior-year R&D costs(21:30) What qualifies as R&D in manufacturing (without lab coats) (25:00) How to achieve on-time delivery with ProShop ERP(26:54) Economic risk, contracts, and who really owns R&D(29:36) Process changes, automation, and integration as R&D opportunities(31:29) Training vs experimentation and where R&D begins and ends(34:44) Inventory strategy considerations, including LIFO timing(37:12 Cost segregation studies and accelerating building depreciation(38:53) Qualified production property and manufacturing-specific benefits(40:22) Why we created Hire MFG Leaders—and how you can use it (40:54) Why proactive CPA relationships matter more than tax software Resources & People Mentioned Unlocking Tax Savings: Essential Strategies You Can Implement Immediately, Ep #10The One Big Beautiful Bill: What Manufacturers Need to Know Now, 474Get a free report of opportunities in your industry from FacturMFG.com/chipsMaximizing Tax Savings: R&D Credits, Entity Selection, and the Work Opportunity Credit, Ep #11Get ProShop's guide to on-time deliveryUse Hire MFG Leaders for your next recruit Connect with Dylan & Julie from CLA Connect with DylanDylan.Valentyn@CLAConnect.comConnect with JulieJulie.Helms@CLAConnect.com Connect With Buy the Numbers Follow on LinkedInConnect with Mike Payne on LinkedIn Subscribe to Buy the Numbers on Apple + Spotify Audio Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK
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    46 mins
  • The Cost of Quality — Why Getting It Right Is the Fastest Way to Get Paid, Ep #39
    Jan 29 2026
    Quality is often treated like a cost center in manufacturing. Something we have to do to satisfy customers, auditors, or certifications. But in my experience, quality is much more than that. It's one of the biggest drivers of cash flow, reputation, and long-term profitability in a shop. In this episode of Buy the Numbers, I sat down with Mehul from Ground Control to talk through the real, often hidden, cost of quality. Our conversation starts with a simple but critical idea: parts don't get paid for unless the paperwork is right. You can machine a perfect part, ship it on time, and still watch payment get delayed weeks or months because an inspection report or FAI is missing or incorrect. That reality reframes quality documentation from "extra work" into a core financial process. We walk through the full value chain of quality, from inspection planning and bubbled prints to in-process checks, scrap, rework, and external escapes. Along the way, we talk about where shops lose the most time and money, how better systems can prevent problems before they happen, and why catching issues internally is always cheaper than letting them reach the customer. This episode is a practical look at quality as prevention, protection, and leverage. If you've ever dealt with late payments, chargebacks, rejected paperwork, or rework that quietly eats margin, this conversation will change how you think about the true cost of quality. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... (0:00) A real-world quality failure and why documentation mistakes are so costly(1:30) Meeting Mehul and the origin story behind Ground Control(5:01) Grow your top and bottom-line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA)(6:12) Why quality documentation is directly tied to getting paid(12:00) Why bubbled prints are the essential first step of quality planning (14:16) Using automation and AI in quality without removing human judgment(15:15) How Factur can help you fill a qualified sales pipeline (16:21) The time and labor cost of manual quality processes(19:07) Prevention vs correction: how better planning reduces scrap and rework(20:31) The importance of in-process checks and smarter inspection strategies(23:26) Why quality education must extend beyond the quality department(24:07) Mark your calendars and come see us at IMTS 2026(25:07) Reporting quality data with or without a fully integrated QMS(26:54) Internal vs external failures and why external escapes are far more expensive(28:55) Supplier scorecards, penalties, and long-term reputation risk(31:40) How paperwork errors can erase margins and delay cash flow(35:56) Reframing quality as a revenue generator, not just a cost center(39:56) When quality failures become safety, legal, and life-or-death issues(41:48) Quick hits: key KPIs, common myths, and no-cost improvements(44:10) How to connect with Mehul and learn more about Ground Control Resources & People Mentioned Grow your top and bottom-line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA)Get a free report of opportunities in your industry from facturmfg.com/chipsMark your calendars and come see us at IMTS 2026 Connect with Mehul Shah Ground ControlConnect on LinkedIn Connect With Buy the Numbers Follow on LinkedInConnect with Mike Payne on LinkedIn Subscribe to Buy the Numbers on Apple + Spotify Audio Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK
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    45 mins
  • Owning the Problem: Why Accountability, Communication, and Culture Drive Throughput, Ep #38
    Jan 15 2026
    One of the patterns I keep seeing in manufacturing has nothing to do with machines, software, or technology. It shows up in how teams respond when something goes wrong. In this episode of Buy the Numbers, I sat down again with Josh McKain from Throughput Mastery to talk about the habits that actually drive throughput, especially accountability, communication, and culture. Josh has now hosted more than a dozen live conversations with manufacturing owners and leaders, and what stood out to me is how often completely different topics circle back to the same root issue. Whether the discussion starts with cash flow, sales, hiring, or quality, it almost always ends up at communication. The shops that move forward aren't the ones avoiding hard conversations, they're the ones willing to own problems and work through them together. We talked through real, practical examples from the shop floor. Scrapped parts, heat treat failures, non-conformances, and rework are going to happen. The difference is how leaders respond. Even when something isn't technically your fault, it's still your responsibility to solve if you want to deliver for customers and keep improving. This conversation also pushed into leadership and culture. Delegation matters, but abdication is dangerous. Some things, like cash flow, culture, and accountability, are too important to fully hand off. If you're trying to build a shop that consistently improves and doesn't rely on blame as a coping mechanism, this episode will resonate. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... (0:57) Welcoming Josh McKain back to Buy the Numbers(1:41) Josh explains Throughput Mastery and the structure of his leadership groups(4:10) Why small, trusted groups unlock vulnerability and honest discussion(5:43) The most consistent takeaway across episodes: communication(7:51) How trust, not technology, becomes a true sales differentiator(9:10) Showing customers systems, not just machines, to build confidence(11:52) Using data to prove on-time delivery and reliability(12:33) Overcoming manufacturing stereotypes in hiring(14:51) Why authenticity matters more than polished marketing(17:36) Taking responsibility for workforce challenges instead of assigning blame(19:15) Scrap, rework, and why problem-solving is cultural, not procedural(21:22) We detail how Factur can generate new opportunities for your business(23:09) Using non-conformance reports to drive continuous improvement(24:55) Applying AI tools to uncover overlooked process improvements(27:24) Identifying trends through NCR data and KPI reviews(31:18) Why cash flow is too important to fully delegate(32:26) Delegation vs abdication and what leaders must always own(36:24) Can culture be measured? Using simple scoring to track trends(40:39) Combining "gut feel" with turnover and HR data(41:59) How to connect with Josh and participate in Throughput Mastery Resources & People Mentioned Paul Van Metre: Your Tech Stack is Your Best Sales ToolArthur Field: Smashing the "Dark, Diary & Dangerous" Stereotypes in ManufacturingThe Tech Stack Advantage: Turning Software into a Sales Tool for Machine Shops, 465Get a free custom report of opportunities in your industry from facturmfg.com/chipsJim Mayer: The Skills Gap is a Symptom; the Culture Gap is the CrisisMike Payne: Cashflow KingScaling Success: Managing Growth Through Data and Culture, Ep #13QBQ! The Question Behind the Question Connect with Josh McKain Connect on LinkedInThe Throughput ShowThroughput Mastery Connect With Buy the Numbers Follow on LinkedInConnect with Mike Payne on LinkedIn Subscribe to Buy the Numbers on Apple + Spotify Audio Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK
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    44 mins