Lean Built: Manufacturing Freedom

Mar 09 2025 84 ep. 49 mins 40
Lean Built: Manufacturing Freedom Podcast artwork

Two successful entrepreneurs talk about manufacturing, lean principles, and the freedom they are pursuing in life and business.

  Business
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Surviving the Install: The High-Stakes World of CNC Machine Setup | Lean Built - Manufacturing Freedom E85

Mar 09 2025 43 mins  
Installing a new CNC machine isn’t for the faint of heart, and in this episode, we dive into the process of rigging and setting up the Matsuura MX420 PC10. From nerve-wracking moments with teetering machine parts to the surprising role color plays in a shop environment, Andrew and Jay share firsthand experiences from the world of machining.Plus, we explore: why rigging mistakes h

The Decision-Making Hack That Frees Up Time | Lean Built - Manufacturing Freedom E84

Mar 02 2025 50 mins  
Jay and Andrew unpack the concept of “Ask for No, Don’t Ask for Yes,” a strategy that flips traditional decision-making on its head. Inspired by this article from Dan Moore, they discuss how shifting from seeking approval to assuming action can streamline workflows, eliminate bottlenecks, and empower teams to make decisions with confidence. They also share insights on reducin

Smart Failure vs. Dumb Failure | Lean Built - Manufacturing Freedom E83

Feb 23 2025 48 mins  
In this episode, we dive deep into the value of failure—yes, failure—as a crucial tool for growth and success. Jay and Andrew discuss the difference between smart failure vs. dumb failure, how to create core values that actually shape company culture, and why embracing mistakes (the right way) leads to continuous improvement. They even have a friendly debate about how much pain

The Art of Hiring: Finding the Right Fit Without Micromanaging | Lean Built - Manufacturing Freedom E82

Feb 16 2025 46 mins  
What’s harder—your first hire or your tenth? In this episode, Jay and Andrew discuss the growing pains of hiring, when to trust your gut, and how to build a hiring process that works. They break down lean manufacturing principles, why “busy” doesn’t mean productive, and how reducing waste can create a healthier, more profitable business.

No Questions? No Job! Why Incurious People Are Bad Employees | Lean Built - Manufacturing Freedom E81

Feb 09 2025 57 mins  
In this episode, Jay shares key takeaways from his visit to Gimbal Automation, giving us a behind-the-scenes look at innovation in action. We break down why job candidates who don’t ask questions can be a major red flag, and we dive into the pitfalls of the pre-order trap—why taking money before your product is truly ready can backfire. Plus, Andrew shamelessly swipes a great i

Hack Your Business With Automation, Routine, & Memory | Lean Built - Manufacturing Freedom E80

Feb 02 2025 45 mins  
In this episode, Jay and Andrew geek out on the power of routine, why structured days fuel creativity, and how memory palaces can turn you into a mental wizard. Plus, Jay shares a hilarious (and frustrating) story about a packaging company that somehow managed to ship his product back looking like it survived a battle. And Andrew explains why automation isn’t stealing jobs—it�

SHOT Show 2025 Debrief | Lean Built - Manufacturing Freedom E79

Jan 27 2025 19 mins  
In this solo debrief, Andrew talks about his experiences at SHOT Show 2025, sharing reflections on industry trends, the rising costs of Vegas, trade show logistics, connecting with industry peers, the value of focused networking, and more.

Loathing Las Vegas (Or How I Learned To Stop Worrying and Love The Trade Show) | Lean Built - Manufacturing Freedom E78

Jan 19 2025 50 mins  
Andrew is headed to the SHOT Show, so he and Jay dive into the ins and outs of trade show culture, including the fascinating interplay between established giants and ambitious startups. Later they discuss balancing standardization with customization, and when it’s worth going the DIY route versus opting for factory solutions. Plus, hear their takes on pricing psychology, crafting

Buy The Machine, Buy The Culture | Lean Built - Manufacturing Freedom E77

Jan 12 2025 56 mins  
Andrew and Jay kick off 2025 with a wide-ranging conversation about everything from the history of urban neighborhoods and local governance, navigating customer expectations, managing inventory, and handling unexpected crises like power outages. We also dive into the importance of aligning with vendors, and the intricacies of new machine installations.

Shop Insights with John Saunders| Lean Built - Manufacturing Freedom E76

Jan 05 2025 33 mins  
Andrew sits down with John Saunders of Saunders Machine Works for a candid discussion about their John's visit to Andrew's shop, lessons in lean manufacturing, and the challenges of running a small business.