Jay and Andrew talk about getting paid by ideas versus getting paid by hours, passing the right kind of physical legacy on to your kids, the purposes of reserve cash, and more.

Jay and Andrew start by discussing what they will focus on as business owners coming out of this election. (Hint: focus on what you can control, which, it turns out, is actually quite a lot.) Then they talk about numbers. Some business owners run their operations based on a thorough understanding of all the relevant numbers. For some, this can lead to wonderful results; for others, it can be incredibly stifling. How do you use numbers to your advantage?

You know what's really nice? When standards are, y'know, standardized. As in...widely accepted and widely implemented. As opposed to changing between different companies, regions, and manufacturers. This is just one topic Jay and Andrew tackle in this episode on standards, simplicity, and solving problems before they happen. Books mentioned:Lean Made Simple - 12 Proven Steps for Creating a Vibrant Lean Culture Kindle Edition by Ryan Tierney.Who Not How: The Formula to Achieve Bigger Goals Through Accelerating Teamwork by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy.

Andrew talks about some really valuable things he's learned from Who Not How: The Formula to Achieve Bigger Goals Through Accelerating Teamwork by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy, including the importance of making fewer, better decisions and living in the results economy, not the effort economy.

Anything worth doing is worth doing well, right? Well, yes! Of course. But, in another sense, anything worth doing is worth doing poorly. Find out the distinction in this episode. You'll also hear Jay ponder the fact that when he doesn't review things with his employees, they tend to forget them. Which may sound like an obvious truth, but who among us couldn't profit from keeping it in mind?Andrew and Jay also talk about the morality of money, the search for a good salesman, and when to trade money for time or energy (and vice versa).Books Mentioned:The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don'T Work And What To Do About It By Michael E. GerberWho Not How: The Formula to Achieve Bigger Goals Through Accelerating Teamwork by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy....and on a slightly non-business topic, check out the wit and wisdom of great Christian thinker, G. K. Chesterton!

In this week's episode, Andrew and Jay delve into:Choosing the Right Machinery: How do you decide on the best equipment for your needs, not other people's?Strategic Purchasing for Tax Benefits: Is NOW always the right time to buy equipment to leverage tax advantages?The Owner's Mindset: Exploring how an owner's mindset can be the largest barrier to business growth.Self-Limitation for Success: Identifying areas where business owners should set boundaries for themselves to ensure the company's prosperity.Running a sale: when and how is it actually advantageous to run a sale?Book discussed: Who Not How: The Formula to Achieve Bigger Goals Through Accelerating Teamwork by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy.

Join Jay and Andrew as they explore:The Aesthetics of Efficiency: Does a clean environment make for a more productive shop? Or is a bit of mess the price of lean?Fresh Perspectives: The importance of bringing new eyes to old processes for innovation and improvement.Actually Testing Things: Why testing ideas and methods is crucial for true productivity, and how assumptions can lead us astray.Plus ... Jay and Andrew disagree on something! Sort of. For a minute. Maybe.

It's a jam-packed episode of Lean Built as Jay and Andrew kick things off with a head-to-head: spindles versus pallet pools. Which one packs the bigger profit punch? From there, they steer back into the world of IMTS, and especially how bringing your team and employing them strategically can yield big results. But that's not all. They tackle machine aesthetics—does beauty equal beast in manufacturing? They also dissect the double-edged sword of automation, and the art of slashing unnecessary steps to streamline your operations like a pro. All that and plenty more. Thanks as always for joining us on our Lean Built journey.

Andrew and Jay come back from IMTS with plenty on their minds. They talk about salespeople who want to solve your problems vs. ones who just want to make a sale, the pros and cons of using products from new companies, getting up and close with machines, knowing what problem a particular machine you're considering actually solves, ending choice paralysis, and more.

Jay and Andrew check in from IMTS.

As Jay and Andrew prepare to go to IMTS 2024, they talk trade show tricks and tips. How do you approach events like this? How do you make the most of them for your company and your own personal growth? When should you take pictures? How should you treat competitors? Is it better to be honest with a salesperson if you're not interested in buying something? They talk everything from comfortable footwear to staying hydrated to seeing friends to how to schedule your time for maximum benefit.

Andrew and Jay discuss several key principles this week that can help your business grow, including:The Bullet Tells the Truth: It doesn't matter how well something works in theory; it must work in practice.Avoid Delusional Leadership: Understand the real workings and needs of your company.AI as Homework: Using AI can be beneficial if you use it wisely, much like looking at someone else's homework.Customer Alignment: Recognize that your business goals won't align with every customer, and that's sometimes okay.Exploring Other Shops: Visiting other businesses can provide valuable insights into different operational methods.Keep Vendors Close: There are advantages to having your vendors geographically near your business.And there's much more. Hey, if you spot us at IMTS 2024, please come over and say hello!

Andrew and Jay continue their discussion of what kind of 5-axis machine should Andrew buy and how to think ahead in making big decisions. Then they shift gears into the art of crafting a mission statement that doesn't just gather dust on a plaque. What makes a mission statement not just good, but galvanizing? What is a good mission statement is even meant to accomplish?  Finally, they discuss the "dark side" of lean methodology, when it begins to consume your life outside the shop.

Join Jay and Andrew as they dive deep into the challenges of using Fusion, the nuances of fair use in copyright law, and the art of dressing to impress in the business world (it's actually a thing!). We're picking up where we left off from our future discussion on Andrew's journey in scaling up his business and investing in new equipment. As we do, we'll explore why sometimes staying in your lane can be the most strategic move for growth.

Andrew is at a crossroads, weighing the decision to expand or relocate his shop, along with the potential purchase of a 5-axis machine. In this episode, Jay helps Andrew navigate the complexities of these big decisions. They delve into how a firm "no" on one major issue brought Andrew much-needed clarity. They explore the emotional investment required when thinking about the future. They talk a lot about what kind of machine Andrew should actually buy. And more. There's plenty to learn as they discuss the challenges and rewards of making big decisions in business.Here’s the link for cornhole tournament Jay mentions near the end of the episode!

Andrew and Jay talk about automation (Jay's buying another robot!), solving unexpected space problems, how to not be myopic about the future, and more.

Andrew and Jay talk about the necessity of vacation, why math SHOULD be (somewhat) emotional, known cost versus unknown upside, upscaling so you can do a job versus getting a job and then upscaling, bringing remote workers in, and things you can be doing right now to create a company with real value, the kind of value you can sell (even if you're not planning to do so for years or ever).

Join Jay and Andrew as they delve into their deep-seated skepticism towards multipurpose products, discuss why some cost-cutting measures can be counterproductive, and explore the concept of (imagining) scaling their business tenfold to uncover hidden bottlenecks. They also examine the importance of hiring individuals who elevate the team, the strategic use of loss leaders, the fine line between effective and off-putting advertising, and the right time to attend trade shows.

What is the lifespan of a company? What should be the lifespan of a company? How long should you want your company to last? Are you trying to build the next Samsung/Apple/whatever or something that lasts a single lifetime? Jay visited the Haas facility recently, and Andrew toured some shops as well. In this episode, they talk about what they learned.

Andrew and Jay discuss the art of identifying true anomalies in your business ... when is something worth pivoting for and when is it not? They also talk about tradeoffs and how to keep your eye on long-term goals, some hands-on tips for working Fusion, and the  "just try it" mindset, encouraging a spirit of experimentation that can lead to innovative breakthroughs.

Jay and Andrew dive into the secrets of maintaining productivity amidst workplace interruptions, mastering remote collaboration, and leveraging tools like Slack and Signal for seamless communication. They also talk about the surprising benefits of groupthink, and the art of knowing when it's actually beneficial to disappoint customers—and when it's critical not to.

You may or may not like it, but it turns out food and sleep are both an important part of your strategy for succeeding at any type of business. In this episode, Andrew and Jay give their thoughts.

Join Andrew and Jay as they talk companies that couldn't make the cut and uncover why sometimes taking the passenger seat can be the smartest move. Andrew shares his concept of digital office hours—a game changer for remote workers. Plus, learn why meticulous documentation is not just a growth catalyst but also your golden ticket to a successful exit strategy.

Jay begins by talking about taking multiple weeks off...as a highly recommended strategic way to help his business. Then  Andrew and Jay talk about fusion file management, team meetings, onboarding remote workers, and why you can't "delegate your gut."Books mentioned:Poka-Yoke: Improving Product Quality by Preventing Defects.Poka-Yoke: Mistake-Proofing for Zero Defects by Hiroyuki Hirano. 

Jay and Andrew talk building for growth, shop layout, removing unnecessary items, morning meetings, and more.

Jay and Andrew talk about the Remarkable tablet and effective idea dumping. Then they both describe their morning meetings and talk about how you inspire people with your company culture ... without reducing it to a bunch of corporate gobbledegook. Books discussed:Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin.The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman.

"When I lay in bed at night as a young, hungry, naive entrepreneur, I could barely contain my joy at the thought of filing sales tax forms with a dozen states every month."—Andrew on the joy of state taxes, one of a few subjects he and Jay cover in this week's episode. Mostly, they talk about design. Good, intuitive design that takes into account the way real people think and work. And bad, terrible design that sometimes literally leads to death.Book mentioned:The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman.

Andrew and Jay talk about whether they would ever purchase housing for out-of-town workers or clients, why most problems are math problems, how to inculcate company culture in remote workers, why you shouldn't hire too quickly, slips vs mistakes, design that you shouldn't notice, "Swiss cheese problems", and thoughtless outsourcing. In other words, there's plenty to chew on in this episode of Lean Built.Book mentioned:The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman.Article mentioned:"Boeing and the Dark Age of American Manufacturing" by Jerry Useem.

Andrew and Jay continue to explore the challenges they're facing, including website woes, and brainstorming solutions for keeping customers in the loop about new projects and product releases.

Jay and Andrew talk the eclipse, the joys of 3d printing, and the thought process behind what machines they own.

This episode starts on a somber note as Jay and Andrew both had deaths of people they loved. This leads to a discussion of legacy and what they want to leave behind as shop owners and men. They also discuss Andrew's new idea of dedicated "improvement time", hiring and onboarding remote workers, and Jay's idea for a Gordon Ramsey like show about improving shops (it would be awesome).

How do you avoid decision fatigue? How many good decisions can you make in one day? How can you make your decisions ahead of time? How can you brainstorm effectively? These are a few of the important issues Jay and Andrew tackle in this episode of "Lean Built."

From discussing the merits of expanding quickly versus gradually to exploring the pivotal role of the shop floor in fostering career development, Andrew and Jay have a lot to talk about in this episode. They tackle the idea that anything repetitive should be automatable and ponder what it takes to build a company where employees aspire to retire from. They also examine the importance of assembling a diverse team with varied skills and preferences and the potential of gamification in enhancing productivity.But it's not all about speed. Andrew and Jay emphasize the significance of being careful with aligning incentives within the shop environment. They shed light on the concept of "sooner, not faster" and the utility of tools like Gantt charts in managing workflows effectively.Books mentioned: New Shop Floor Management: Empowering People for Continuous Improvement by Kiyoshi SuzakiHenry Ford: My Life and Work by Henry Ford

In this episode of Lean Built,  Andrew and Jay dive into the world of machining mishaps and shop space dreams. Andrew recounts the story of a wild thing that happened during vacuum workholding, which leads to some tips for safe vacuum hold-down machining—plus a discussion of other downright scary machine malfunctions.Plus Jay and Andrew begin to delve into the topic of planning for future shop expansion.

First up, Jay and Andrew dive into the art  of effectively documenting workflows. How do you avoid the pitfall of keeping everything in your head?Next, they explore the world of AI and how it can be used to address frequently asked customer queries.Then Jay shares a story of transitioning a process from digital to analog, prompting a discussion on the pros and cons of both digital and analog methods. When do you embrace digital tools and when do you stick to the tried-and-true analog methods?All that and more in this episode of Lean Built.

Jay and Andrew talk about the power of deletion and the joy of 3D printing. They discuss the importance of embracing the development process, even when it includes ideas that don't work out. They offer insights on how to effectively engage with influencer marketing (there's a way to do it and a way not to do it). Plus Andrew reveals his trade show strategies. 

Andrew and Jay talk about keeping the right amount of inventory without causing a bottleneck, the awesomeness of vertical lift modules (and just generally turning square feet into cubic feet), avoiding monuments in the shop, and how kanban is not just cards ... it's a system for exposing weaknesses.Book discussed:New Manufacturing Challenge: Techniques for Continuous Improvement by Kiyoshi Suzaki.

Andrew and Jay delve into the depths of lean maturity (or the absence of it), discussing how small companies can avoid reinventing the wheel, skillfully use redundancy, adhere to fundamental lean principles, and deliver answers right where the questions are most likely to be asked.

Andrew's just got a new lathe and we talk about it in this episode. There are plenty of challenges, including moving the shop layout. We also talk about how new employees help you find problems, and Rock Fuel University.

Jay and Andrew talk about rigging, how money eases the way, making our environment serve us, relationships vs profit, establishing value through the right comparison, and much more.Books mentioned:Alchemy: The Surprising Power of Ideas That Don't Make Sense by Rory Sutherland.The Brand Gap: How to Bridge the Distance Between Business Strategy and Design by Marty Neumeier.New Manufacturing Challenge: Techniques for Continuous Improvement by Kiyoshi Suzaki.

Andrew and Jay talk about building in margin, feeding your interest and curiosity, doing life-giving things, why you might not want to tie up funds in overstock, why technology should never be the bottleneck, and more.Book mentioned: New Manufacturing Challenge: Techniques for Continuous Improvement by Kiyoshi Suzaki.

Jay and Andrew talk leadership development, hiring when you don't need people, utility players vs bench players, where KPIs (key performance indicators) are useful and where they aren't, why the best expeditor is no expeditor, where to place a lathe, and more.Books mentioned:The New Manager's Handbook: 24 Lessons for Mastering Your New Role by Morey Sterner.How to Become a Rainmaker: The Rules for Getting and Keeping Customers and Clients by Jeffrey J. Fox.The Story of the Paratroops by George Weller.

Andrew and Jay discuss some of the lessons from 2023. Topics include the need for lean to be flexible, how lean should align with a company's culture, the importance of intentional lean practices, setting diverse goals for different companies, establishing and executing measurable goals for employees, fostering employee ownership in their respective areas, and delegating tasks to enable more time for creative pursuits.Books mentioned:The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership Workbook 25th Anniversary Edition: Follow Them and People Will Follow You Paperback by John C. Maxwell.Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman.

Jay and Andrew discusses Andrew's new company truck (which he bought in the least lean environment possible), how buying ahead to appease short-term tax write-offs can be a long-term bad investment, avoiding long term accounts receivable, cash flow vs cash position, trusting employees with their own credit cards, same day shipping and package tracking, and how prototyping is not necessarily lean.They also begin a conversation on what they want to improve in 2024 as they look back on 2023, which will continue in next episode.

Jay and Andrew talk about Andrew’s forklift and how he’s applying “digital training wheels,” how robots and automation can lead you astray, seeing how pain and expense add up, using AI to make expertise scalable to a wider audience, and much more.

How do you handle a backlog with lean? Andrew gives a little masterclass on that, since he just had to do it, thanks to the holidays and employee sickness. Then Jay talks about why he's thinking about getting a space pod (office pod or silence booth). Plus, they talk about why adding Credit Key was good for Jay, making quality of life improvements at the end of the year instead of hoarding cash, shipping in the holidays, and how to handle Christmas break.

Jay and Andrew talk about Andrew's new forklift, the pros and cons of handling inventory for other shops, tax incentive buys at the end of the year, as-needed budgets, systems vs goals, "use it or lose it" mentality in bigger companies, delaying gratification for wants (but not needs!), and how to avoid being at the mercy of the supply chain.

Andrew and Jay continue to talk about what kind of lathe would Andrew like, as well as false ways of achieving economy, the drawbacks of big sales, seeing where you only partially think of things, the value of high-priced CEO meetings, and more. Books mentioned:How to Sell at Margins Higher Than Your Competitor by Lawrence Steinmetz.Alchemy: The Surprising Power of Ideas That Don't Make Sense by Rory Sutherland.