If you think quality management is just about passing audits, think again.
In this episode of MakingChips, we’re joined by Jess Teasdale—a true QMS expert and certified lead auditor in both AS9100 and ISO 13485—to break down what it really takes to build a world-class quality system. Whether you're running a two-person job shop or leading a growing operation aiming for medical or aerospace work, we consider this your QMS MBA.
We dig into the purpose, process, and power of implementing a robust quality management system—from selecting the right registrar to defining your key processes and KPIs. Jess also shares why culture matters more than checklists, how leadership buy-in can make or break your success, and how tools like ProShop ERP can make audit day feel like just another Tuesday.
This isn’t just about earning a certificate. It’s about building a business where quality is baked into how you operate—every single day. If you're trying to compete in regulated industries—or simply want to stop cleaning up preventable mistakes—this episode is your blueprint.
Segments
- (0:00) “He’s a real quality guy”: Dad jokes and introductions
- (1:12) Every day is audit day: Building a quality culture vs. chasing audits
- (4:24) Jess’s background—from job shop QC to Raytheon to ProShop
- (9:27) What it takes to get certified as a lead auditor
- (11:03) Key differences between ISO 9001, AS9100, and ISO 13485
- (12:27) Why regulated industry certifications are “table stakes” for growth
- (14:05) How certification shapes customer perception—and shop success
- (16:21) What a QMS really is (and why it’s not just a binder)
- (17:42) The challenge of cultural adoption—from shop floor to CEO
- (22:30) Grow your top and bottom line with CLA
- (23:05) The first steps: quality manual, key processes, and KPIs
- (26:18) Cross-functional teams vs. solo efforts—what works best
- (28:08) How grants and workforce programs can help fund your QMS journey
- (31:03) Lessons from a painful audit—and how ProShop changed everything
- (35:00) Choosing the right certification body (registrar)
- (39:35) Stage 1 vs. Stage 2 audits—what to expect
- (41:53) Nonconformances: OFIs, minors, majors, and 8Ds explained
- (45:47) Wrap-up and preview of Part 2: How to build a great QMS
- (48:20) Register for Top Shops 2025!
Resources mentioned on this episode
Connect With MakingChips
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Special Summer Offer: Exclusively on Apple Podcasts, try our Dateline Premium subscription completely free for one month! With Dateline Premium, you get every episode ad-free plus exclusive bonus content.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!