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my TRUE POSITION
Manufacturing Professionals will receive immediate and actionable insight into high-level issues of running a small to mid-sized manufacturing company. All communicated in an easy-to-digest 20 minutes by your expert podcaster and second-generation business owner, Jim Carr.
Episodes
my TRUE POSITIONHow to Speak the 5 Love Languages of Business: In the Shop and Beyond
What do high fives, tool gifts, and 10-minute check-ins have in common? They're all ways to lead better on the shop floor. In this episode of My TRUE POSITION…
my TRUE POSITIONBeyond Gravity's Big Advantage: Culture You Can Feel
In this special Space Symposium episode, Jim Carr sits down with Oliver Grassmann, Executive Vice President of Beyond Gravity's Satellites division, to reveal…
my TRUE POSITIONGrounded Leadership in Zero Gravity: A Conversation with Wesley Grove
What do satellites and shop floors have in common? Wesley Grove connects the dots. In this episode, we talk about real-world innovation, smart failure, and how…
my TRUE POSITIONInside the Coach's Corner: How EBITDA Guides Machine Shops to Thrive
What's it really like to have a business coach in your shop's corner? In this episode, I sit down with my longtime business partners and coaches, Dave…
my TRUE POSITIONSmall Shops, Big Data: AI That Doesn't Require a PhD
AI isn't just for the big guys anymore. In this episode, Jim Carr sits down with Akshat Thirani, President of Amper Technologies, to break down how small- and…
my TRUE POSITIONThe CFO That Knows Your Shop: Why Specialized Financial Strategy Matters
What if your CFO actually understood your machine shop? In this episode of My TRUE POSITION, I sit down with Dave Capkovitz and Mike Watkins from EBITDA Growth…
my TRUE POSITIONWhy Are Funding Companies Blowing Up My Phone?
If you're a small to midsize manufacturer like me, you know exactly what I'm talking about — constant calls, emails, and DMs from lenders promising fast cash…
my TRUE POSITIONWhy Modern Leaders Need to Sit in the Passenger Seat
In this episode of My TRUE POSITION, I'm talking about reverse shadowing — why it's time for owners, managers, and executives to follow the people on the front…
my TRUE POSITIONLinkedIn Without the Overload: A Manufacturer's Playbook
Ever feel like LinkedIn is more of a burden than a benefit? You're not alone. In this episode of My TRUE POSITION, we're cutting through the noise and breaking…
my TRUE POSITIONBreaking Down AS9100 & ISO 9001: Costs, Compliance, & Commitment
Thinking about getting ISO 9001 or AS9100 certified but not sure which one makes sense for your shop? In this episode of My TRUE POSITION, I break down the key…
my TRUE POSITIONBeyond the Selfie: The Power of a Pro Headshot & Bio
Are you making the right first impression? If your bio is dull and your headshot is a blurry selfie, you're not doing yourself any favors. In this episode of…
my TRUE POSITIONPre-Retirement 101: What It Is & How to Prepare
Are You Ready for Pre-Retirement? As a multi-generational manufacturing business owner, stepping away from the day-to-day is easier said than done. Have you…
my TRUE POSITIONLock It Down: Why Your Machine Shop Needs an NDA
Are you protecting your shop's secrets, or leaving the door open for competitors to take your hard work? In this episode of My TRUE POSITION, explain why every…
my TRUE POSITIONOvertime: Catalyst or Culture Killer?
Overtime: Is it driving growth or quietly eroding your culture and profitability? In this episode, I reflect on decades of overtime practices at CARR Machine &…
my TRUE POSITIONWhat Is Your Brand, and How Does It Affect Your Business?
What's your brand? It's a question I was asked over a decade ago, and it changed how I approach both business and personal growth. In this episode, we'll…
my TRUE POSITION2024: Another Year Leading a Machine Shop - In Review
2024 was a year of resilience, growth, and transformation for me personally and professionally. In this episode of My TRUE POSITION, I'm reflecting on the…
my TRUE POSITIONMastering Cash Flow in Manufacturing: Keep the Spread!
In this episode, I'm drilling into one of the most critical aspects of running a successful business: managing cash flow. I'll explain why understanding the…
my TRUE POSITIONOoops! Let's Clarify the Cost of Some ERPs
Yeppers…I messed up! In a previous episode, I threw out some numbers about ERP costs, and my good friend, Paul Van Metre from ProShop, hit me with a "Jim…
my TRUE POSITIONCut the Tank: Why Generating Nitrogen Gas Beats Buying
In this episode I welcome Jayden Mackinnin from Fluid-Aire Dynamics to the my TRUE POSITION studio to discuss a cutting-edge solution that's transforming…
my TRUE POSITIONNext Year Starts Now: Forecasting the 2025 Impact
Are you ready to set your business up for success in 2025? In this episode we explore the critical decisions you need to make today to thrive tomorrow. From…
my TRUE POSITIONDoing the GEMBA-rena: Step into the Shop Floor Groove
Are you ready to bust a move on the shop floor? In this episode of My TRUE POSITION, we're diving into the world of Gemba Walks—manufacturing's ultimate groove…
my TRUE POSITIONIs Running Your Machine Shop a Lifestyle Business?
In this episode of My TRUE POSITION, I challenge you to take a hard look at your machine shop. Are you running it as a lifestyle business, content with…
my TRUE POSITIONAutomation in 2025: Day Hurn Interviews Jim Carr
In a fun twist for this episode, we flip the script! Day Hurn, Sales & Marketing Specialist at Robojob-USA, takes over the mic to interview me. We discuss the…
my TRUE POSITIONBehind the Tanks: Who's Really Responsible for Coolant Cleanouts?
In this episode of My TRUE POSITION, we dive into one of those unglamorous but critical shop tasks: cleaning the coolant tanks. Who's responsible? Why does it…
my TRUE POSITIONThe REAL Costs to Scale Your Manufacturing Company
Thinking about scaling your manufacturing business from $1M to $100M? In this episode of My TRUE POSITION, I break down the real costs of growing a…
my TRUE POSITIONDo Today's Young People Really Understand Our Industry?
In this episode I talk about the crucial question: Do today's young people really grasp the impact and intricacies of manufacturing? As Gen Z and Gen Alpha…
my TRUE POSITIONRe-Writing the Employee Handbook...Again!
On this episode of True Position, we dive into the ever-evolving world of employee handbooks. We explore why this crucial document isn't just a formality, but…
my TRUE POSITIONEasy Tips to Automate Your Shop
In Episode 83 of My True Position, I team up with special guest Michael Martin to reveal easy, effective, and economical tips for automating your machine shop…
my TRUE POSITIONAir Power: The Driving Force Behind Manufacturing Efficiency
In this episode of My TRUE POSITION, I'm joined by a special guest, Fred Garcia from Fluid-Aire Dynamics, to explore a crucial but often overlooked aspect of…
my TRUE POSITIONWhy Are Manufacturers Such Poor Communicators?
In this episode of My TRUE POSITION, we're tackling a common frustration: why are manufacturers notorious for poor communication, from not returning calls to…
my TRUE POSITIONWhy a Healthy Shop-Floor Environment Is Critical to Your Culture
In this episode I share why a healthy shop-floor environment is more than just clean air and good lighting—it's the backbone of a strong company culture. "Why…
my TRUE POSITIONPassing the Torch: Why Succession Planning Can't Wait
In this episode of my TRUE POSITION, we're tackling a conversation that every family-run business needs to have sooner rather than later: succession planning…
my TRUE POSITIONHow Inspection is Driving the Future of Manufacturing
In this episode I'm diving deep into a critical shift happening in the manufacturing industry—how the future is leaning heavily toward being inspection and…
my TRUE POSITIONFraudsters Are Getting Better: Tips to Not Get Screwed
In this episode, I dive into a personal story of how we almost got scammed by a sly voicemail about our QuickBooks Online account. Scammers are getting…
my TRUE POSITIONWhy All The Interest in Buying Manufacturing Companies?
In this eye-opening episode, we delve into the burgeoning trend of private equity firms snapping up manufacturing companies across America. What's driving this…
my TRUE POSITIONAnother IMTS: The Good, the Bad, and the Awesomeness
Get ready for an exciting deep dive into one of the biggest events in manufacturing technology! In this episode, we explore IMTS 2024, covering all the…
my TRUE POSITIONIs Marketing for Manufacturers All Smoke & Mirrors?
In this episode, I tackle a provocative question: Is marketing for manufacturers all smoke and mirrors? Join me as I share our marketing journey and the…
my TRUE POSITIONThe Best and Worst States for...?
In this episode of my TRUE POSITION we dive into the critical factors that make some states ideal—and others not so great—for relocating a manufacturing…
my TRUE POSITIONGenerations of Success: The Fluid-Aire Design Story
In this special episode of "My TRUE POSITION," I sit down with the family behind Fluid-Aire Design, a local air compressor company that's been a cornerstone of…
my TRUE POSITIONThe Value of Engaging with Your Team
In this episode of "My TRUE POSITION," I'm diving into one of the most vital aspects of leadership and organizational success: team engagement. Join me, as I…
my TRUE POSITIONThe Pain of Quoting for Free
Are you tired of spending countless hours creating detailed quotes only to see potential clients walk away? Join me, Jim Carr, in this episode of "My TRUE…
my TRUE POSITIONA Meeting of the MasterMinds
Are you a manufacturing leader looking to elevate your business to new heights? Join us for an exclusive mastermind event at the Pronk Studio in…
my TRUE POSITIONInspection and Documentation in an Aerospace Environment
Join me as I dive into the critical roles of documentation and inspection in aerospace manufacturing. Discover how these processes assist in ensuring quality…
my TRUE POSITIONTips on How to Machine With More Passion & Precision
Welcome to another insightful episode of "My TRUE POSITION!" I'm Jim Carr, and this week, I'm focusing on "Tips on How to Machine with More Passion &…
my TRUE POSITIONAutomation & Lights Out Machining: What I've Learned
Welcome to another insightful episode of "My True Position!" This week, we're diving into "Automation & Lights Out Machining: What I've Learned." Over the past…
my TRUE POSITIONMore Acronyms: SQRM and SQAM
Welcome to another insightful episode of my TRUE POSITION. Today, we dive into the often perplexing world of manufacturing acronyms. For small manufacturing…
my TRUE POSITIONTeam Production Meetings: Why They're Important
Tune in to our latest episode as we delve into the pivotal role of team production meetings in shaping corporate culture and driving success! Join us as we…
my TRUE POSITIONHear It Again: College vs. Trades
Ready to tackle the age-old debate? Join me on the latest episode of 'College vs Trades' where we dig deep into the Machinist vs College dilemma! From job…
my TRUE POSITIONAnswering the Eight Questions: Core Values
Discover the power of defining your company's Core values in our latest episode! Join us as we delve into the significance of establishing Core values and how…
my TRUE POSITIONFinding Your Network: For All the Right Reasons
Elevate Your Business Acumen with Networking! Connect, Collaborate, and Conquer with the power of networking. Expand your circle, exchange ideas, and unlock…
my TRUE POSITIONFactory Focus: Fine-Tuning HR Practices for Manufacturing Compliance
Welcome to the latest episode of 'Shop Talk'! In this edition, we're diving deep into the heart of HR compliance and best practices tailored specifically for…
my TRUE POSITIONThe Big Move to a PEO: What I've Learned
Join Jim from CARR Machine & Tool, Inc. as he shares key insights from their move to partner with a Professional Employer Organization (PEO). Discover the…
my TRUE POSITIONPrecision Pursuits: Engineering Corporate Growth; Financial, Mental, Physical Resilience
Step into the realm of business mastery with 'Precision Pursuits: Engineering Corporate Growth' Explore the delicate fusion of financial finesse, mental…
my TRUE POSITIONBeyond Limits: Exploring the Boundaries of Pushing Yourself
On this episode, we delve into the concept of pushing oneself in the world of business. While striving for success and pushing boundaries can yield favorable…
my TRUE POSITIONEngineering a CNC Machine Shop: What Two Friends Learned
Embark on a captivating journey with Brad and Pete, two engineers whose bond as colleagues blossomed into a dynamic partnership, ultimately leading them to…
my TRUE POSITIONRebranding Your Company: What, Why, and How?
Curious about rebranding your business? Join me, a seasoned business executive in manufacturing, as I delve into the dynamic world of rebranding a…
my TRUE POSITIONPlanning for 2024: Financial, Staffing, Equipment, Budgeting and More!
Get ready to elevate your business strategies for 2024 with the latest episode of "My TRUE POSITION"! Join me as I delve into the essential pillars of planning…
my TRUE POSITIONIt's True: We're Really Paperless!
Exciting news, folks! CARR Machine & Tool, Inc. has boldly stepped into the future like a streamlined, paperless pacesetter! Say goodbye to paper jams and…
my TRUE POSITIONDon't Be Fooled: It's Not Easy to Start a Machine Shop
Embarking on the journey of launching a machine shop entails navigating through substantial challenges. The initial hurdle lies in the considerable start-up…
my TRUE POSITIONAnguish, Agony and Lessons Learned :The 2008 Great Recession
The 2008 Recession hit hard—jobs vanished, homes were lost, and dreams shattered. Triggered by the housing market crash, it brought widespread economic pain…