MakingSparks

MakingSparks A Podcast to help Grow and Improve Fabrication Companies Join industry leaders and dive deep into the world of metalworking.

Welcome to MakingSparks, the podcast where we ignite your passion for metal fabrication and fuel your business success! From business insights to tips of the trade, 'MakingSparks' is your forge of knowledge. During each episode, discover success stories, innovative solutions, and expert interviews that light the path to business growth. Subscribe today to grow and improve your company and let's make sparks fly together. MakingSparks is a MakingChips production.

10/17/2025

Automation can create value — or erase it.

In this clip, Matthew Nix talks about the other side of automation: when convenience starts to cost you craftsmanship.

The best shops don’t automate everything. They find the balance that keeps people, process, and purpose aligned.

Full episode → https://youtu.be/pTZL0d4-mnU

10/15/2025

This is what automation is really about.

Graham Williams shares the story of a veteran welder whose eyesight started to fade — but automation gave him a way to keep doing what he loves.

It’s not replacing people. It’s protecting their craft.

Full episode → https://youtu.be/pTZL0d4-mnU

10/13/2025

Automation doesn’t fail because of tech — it fails because of people.

In this clip from our conversation with Graham Williams, we dig into how to get real buy-in from your team when introducing new tools.

It starts with trust, not technology.

Full episode here → https://youtu.be/pTZL0d4-mnU

10/10/2025

Technology can’t replace instinct.

In our conversation with Graham Williams, he reminds us that no matter how advanced the tools get, it’s human skill that makes the difference.

Automation helps — but craftsmanship leads.

Hear the full conversation on the Making Sparks podcast → https://youtu.be/pTZL0d4-mnU

Automation isn’t replacing welders — it’s redefining what’s possible.In this week’s episode, we sit down with Graham Wil...
10/08/2025

Automation isn’t replacing welders — it’s redefining what’s possible.

In this week’s episode, we sit down with Graham Williams of Vectis Automation to talk about how cobots are changing the game for small and mid-size shops — helping welders do more, stay longer, and bring the next generation into the trade.

It’s not about replacing people.
It’s about giving them better tools.

🎧 Watch or listen here → https://youtu.be/pTZL0d4-mnU

10/06/2025

If you’re not tired of saying it, your team hasn’t heard it enough.

Jesse Kleiman shares why simple statements — repeated again and again — are what actually stick and shape culture on the floor.

Repetition isn’t boring. It’s leadership.
Full episode 🎧 https://youtu.be/lqPB30yrFiw

10/03/2025

The shop floor isn’t “less than.” It’s the heartbeat of your business.

In Part 2 of our conversation with Jesse Kleiman, we dig into why leaders need to elevate tradespeople and break the stigma that office work is more valuable.

Strong culture starts when every role gets the respect it deserves.
Full episode 🎧 https://youtu.be/lqPB30yrFiw

10/01/2025

Core values don’t matter if they just live on the wall.

In Part 2 of our conversation with Jesse Kleiman, Matthew Nix shares how he actually operationalizes simple values so they drive decisions every day on the floor.

This episode will show you how to do the same in your shop.
Full episode 🎧 https://youtu.be/lqPB30yrFiw

09/29/2025

Hard work doesn’t look the same for everyone.

For some, it’s 10 hours at a desk. For others, it’s 10 hours under a hood. Both deserve respect.

In Part 2 of our conversation with Jesse Kleiman, he shares why honoring all kinds of work is key to building a strong shop culture.

Full episode here 🎧 https://youtu.be/lqPB30yrFiw

09/26/2025

Hard work isn’t a gimmick — it’s how culture gets built.

In Part 2 of our conversation with Jesse Kleiman, he shows why “making hard work cool again” is a leadership move, not a marketing tactic.

Hear exactly how he lives it in his shop. Full episode → 🎧 https://youtu.be/lqPB30yrFiw

🚨 New Episode Alert 🚨We’re back with Part 2 of our conversation with Jesse Kleiman, founder of JR Metal Works.In this ro...
09/25/2025

🚨 New Episode Alert 🚨

We’re back with Part 2 of our conversation with Jesse Kleiman, founder of JR Metal Works.

In this round, we dig into the culture side of scaling — from making hard work cool again to why “simple scales, fancy fails.” It’s raw, practical, and packed with lessons every shop leader can use.

🎧 Listen now: https://youtu.be/lqPB30yrFiw

09/22/2025

One contract. One moment. Business doubled overnight.

In our latest episode with Jesse Kleiman of JR Metal Works, Matthew breaks down how it happened — and what shop leaders can learn when growth comes fast.

🎧 Watch the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AY-r9WJDpg

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