Running a shop often means wearing every hat and holding every answer. For Andy Reinwald at Ripley Machine, that translated to years of nonstop work, nearly no time off, and the weight of every open order living in his head. It was sustainable until it wasn’t.

Things came to a head after a rough year in 2016. Revenue was slipping, customer service was lagging, and the company was running on outdated systems. Andy knew he couldn’t keep leading the shop this way and expect different results.

That realization kicked off a steady climb. Andy pursued ISO certification, leaned into lean thinking, and began to untangle Ripley Machine from manual processes and memory-based management. Still, the tools he had weren’t suited for the kind of shop he wanted to run.

It wasn’t until Andy implemented ProShop that the fundamental transformation took hold.

The team got access to the same information, tooling, and setups became easier to manage, and planning work no longer relied on his constant oversight. Late orders dropped, morale lifted, and quoting, scheduling, and tracking got faster.

Now, Andy runs a growing shop with more efficient systems, higher standards, and the breathing room to take a fully unplugged vacation. His story isn’t about flashy leaps, it’s about what happens when a shop owner truly commits to improving, one decision at a time.

LinkedIn - Andy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyreinwald/

Ripley Machine - https://www.ripley-machine.com/

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Most shop owners don’t realize how much stress is baked into their day-to-day. They’re running jobs, juggling people, chasing parts—and slowly getting used to the constant pressure. For Phil Gurecki, it was normal to be the only one who knew where everything was, how it worked, and what came next. Until it wasn’t.

As Accurate Machine grew, so did the complexity. Assemblies got tougher. Tooling got chaotic. Binders multiplied. And the cost of relying on Phil’s memory—or a key employee’s tribal knowledge—became impossible to ignore.

He tried two ERPs. Neither stuck. It wasn’t until ProShop that things clicked. This time, Phil went all in. Got his team involved. Started documenting everything. Within months, even newer hires could confidently run repeat jobs. And when a key team member left, nothing fell apart.

Phil didn’t set out to build a world class shop. He just wanted to get organized and get some peace of mind. But once the systems were in place, everything shifted. He had time to lead. His team had clarity. And customer tours? He starts those at the computer now—because that’s where the real work lives.

There’s pride in the machines, sure. But for Phil, the real pride comes from knowing his shop can scale, adapt, and grow—without burning anyone out in the process.

LinkedIn - Phil Gurecki: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-gurecki-4a9439110/

Accurate Machine Inc -https://www.accmachine.com/

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Most machine shops are filled with skilled workers, powerful machines, and a relentless drive to get parts out the door. But behind the scenes, inefficiencies can quietly eat away at profitability, morale, and even long-term survival. Many shops rely on outdated systems, fragmented information, and tribal knowledge that vanishes when key employees leave. The result? Missed deadlines, costly mistakes, and constant firefighting.

Marvin Rodriguez of True Precision Machining shares how his company faced these very challenges and found a way to transform operations through a strategic shift in processes and systems. By implementing ProShop ERP, his team moved from paper-driven chaos to a fully digital, streamlined workflow. Along the way, they not only improved efficiency but also fostered a culture of engagement where employees actively contribute to continuous improvement.

Now, True Precision is thriving—reducing errors, cutting wasted time, and positioning itself as a top-tier supplier in aerospace, defense, and medical manufacturing. Marvin’s story is a masterclass in using data, structure, and technology to take a business from reactive to proactive. Whether you’re struggling with inconsistent processes or just looking to scale smarter, this episode is packed with actionable insights for any shop owner or leader ready to perfect their systems for success.

LinkedIn - Marvin Rodriguez: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marvin-rodriguez-08667694/

True Precision Machining - https://www.trueprecisionmachining.com/

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Most job shops turn to ERP systems expecting more efficiency but end up with more headaches, more spreadsheets, and more frustration. Most ERPs weren’t built for job shops—high-mix, low-volume work, constant scheduling changes, and the need for real-time visibility. Instead of fixing the chaos, they add layers of complexity, leaving shops struggling to keep up.

Traditional ERP systems were designed for large-scale manufacturing, where jobs are predictable and repeatable. A job shop doesn’t operate that way. Custom parts, shifting lead times, and last-minute jobs require flexibility. The wrong ERP slows everything down, forcing machinists to hunt for information and managers to rely on outdated spreadsheets.

Matt Gawlik of 3D Graphite Machining struggled with multiple ERPs that couldn’t keep up. He realized the problem wasn’t just the software—it was how most ERPs force shops into rigid workflows that don’t match reality. His experience highlights the difference between an ERP designed for mass production and one that actually works in a job shop.

There are clear signs an ERP is failing. If scheduling is still a mess, if machinists don’t trust the system, or if data has to be manually entered in multiple places, that’s a red flag. A job shop ERP should track everything in one place, automate scheduling, and provide instant access to accurate job data.

Disconnected tools and outdated processes don’t have to be the norm. A job shop ERP should be a natural extension of how machinists and managers already work. The difference between struggle and efficiency isn’t just software—it’s using one that actually understands how a job shop runs.

LinkedIn - Matt Gawlik - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-gawlik-92843222a/

3D Graphite Machining - https://www.3dgraphite.com/

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Most manufacturers don’t realize just how much inefficiency is baked into their daily operations—until they start pulling back the layers. That was the case for Johnny Goode, President of MSP Manufacturing, who stepped into the family business in 2020 and immediately saw opportunities for change.

Paper-based processes, siloed systems, and hidden inefficiencies were costing the shop time, money, and agility. But change wasn’t easy—especially for a team that had been doing things the same way for years.

Johnny shares how MSP systematically broke free from outdated habits, transitioning to a fully digital, ProShop-driven workflow. The results? A purchasing process that went from two full-time employees to a four-hour-a-week task, on-time delivery skyrocketing to 97-99%, and a 50% growth in revenue with only a 2% increase in overhead.

He also talks through the challenges of change management, the unexpected benefits of radical transparency, and how the right ERP doesn’t just organize a shop—it transforms its culture.

For shop owners wondering if digital transformation is worth the effort, Johnny’s story makes it clear: the cost of staying the same is far greater.

LinkedIn - Johnny Goode: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnny-goode-1846441bb/

MSP Manufacturing - https://msp-manufacturing.com/

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In this episode of Manufacturing Transformed, I sit down with Ron Wallace, the owner of Ace Machining, a leading job shop located in Nova Scotia, Canada. Ron shares the remarkable story of how he went from starting his business with just a few machines to now overseeing a thriving operation with advanced equipment like Swiss lathes, waterjets, and five-axis mills.

Ron’s journey has been filled with growth, challenges, and innovation. After years of trial and error, including multiple relocations and expanding the team, Ron realized that embracing technology was the key to taking his business to the next level. That's when Ace Machining turned to ProShop ERP—a game-changing decision that streamlined operations, enhanced communication, and improved efficiency across the shop floor.

In this episode, we learn how ProShop ERP has helped Ace Machining overcome common growing pains, such as managing material certifications, job costing, and reducing setup times. With the help of ProShop, Ron and his team were able to implement systems and processes that improved not only their operations but also their bottom line.

Ron also discusses the value of hiring the right people, delegating responsibilities, and investing in technology to fuel growth. This episode is packed with insights on how modernizing your manufacturing process can lead to incredible transformations—just like at Ace Machining.

LinkedIn - Ron: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-wallace-172a8627/

Ace Machining Ltd - https://www.acemachining.ca/about-us/

Buy Back Your Time - https://www.buybackyourtime.com/

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Zimmer Design & Manufacturing, an ITAR-registered AS9100 Contract Manufacturing machine shop in Austin, TX, has experienced remarkable growth—70% since its launch in 2020.

Founder Adam Zimmer started the company in his garage, crafting cigar stands and ashtrays as a hobby with a manual lathe and mill. A pivotal moment came when he purchased equipment and customers from a friend closing his shop, which set the stage for his transition into a thriving business.

From day one, Adam knew he wanted to scale, so he invested in ProShop ERP for its functionality, scalability, and affordability. Today, with a team of 11, ProShop underpins every part of their operation, from quoting and processing to training and tool management.

Adam credits ProShop for making growth and organization seamless, enabling streamlined systems that have become the backbone of his success. The ERP’s documentation and workflows even simplified their AS9100 certification process.

As a programmer and machinist, Adam’s focus on automation and efficiency has been key to scaling the business, and he emphasizes the role of delegation in balancing work and family life. With ProShop as the foundation, Zimmer Design & Manufacturing is not only thriving but also on track to achieve another year of explosive growth in 2025.

LinkedIn - Adam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-zimmer-5b806b152/

Zimmer Design and Manufacturing - https://www.zimmermanufacturing.com/

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In this episode of Manufacturing Transformed, Brannon McKinney, General Manager at Faircloth Machine Shop, shares the incredible evolution of a small repair shop into an AS9100-certified leader in aerospace manufacturing.

When Brannon joined Faircloth 16 years ago, fresh out of community college, the shop had just eight employees and relied on conventional machines and a homemade ERP system. Today, with the help of ProShop ERP, they’ve streamlined operations, embraced innovation, and achieved certifications that transformed their business.

Brannon discusses how ProShop became an essential part of their journey—simplifying scheduling, enhancing tool tracking, and making the AS9100 certification process seamless.

You’ll hear how Faircloth leverages technology, fosters collaboration, and cultivates a team culture that drives success. Whether you're curious about ERP systems, certifications, or scaling a manufacturing business, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

LinkedIn - Brannon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brannon-mckinney-a6666b87/

Faircloth Machine: https://fairclothmachine.com/

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