my TRUE POSITION

Too many part numbers. Too many changeovers. Too much chaos. For years, we ran a low-volume, high-mix job shop — and it was eating us alive. Until we flipped the model.

In this episode, I break down our full-on shift to high-volume, low-mix production: what pushed us over the edge, how we pulled it off, and what every shop owner needs to hear if you’re tired of running in circles. I’m talking about the pai...

You’re the face of the shop — act like it. In this episode, Jim Carr unpacks why getting out of the office, shaking hands, and “kissing babies” isn’t politics… it’s leadership. Whether it’s a customer visit, trade show, or just showing up when it counts, your presence is your most powerful tool.

Inside This Episode:

What “kissing babies” really means in manufacturing

How trust bui...

Dropped $10K on a booth and walked away with a pocketful of business cards and no leads? You’re not alone. In this gritty solo episode, I pull back the curtain on the real ROI of trade shows—what works, what doesn’t, and how to stop wasting money on flashy displays with zero follow-up.

Whether you're a shop owner, ops manager, or just trying to make sense of your marketing spend, I’m giving you hard number...

Are you tired of chasing down payments like it’s part of your job description? In this episode, Jim Carr strips down the BS and breaks down how to manage your receivables like a pro—without blowing up good customer relationships. From setting clear payment terms and dealing with Accounts Payable, to knowing exactly when to apply pressure or put someone on credit hold, Jim shares real-world tactics from the shop floor.

After 40 years in the game, Jim Carr asks the question no one wants to answer out loud:

Was it easier to run a machine shop back then… or have the rules just changed?

From manual mills and customer bankruptcies to ERP systems, 5-axis automation, and ISO audits — Jim has seen it all. In this reflective episode, he breaks down the then vs. now of manufacturing leadership: what’s gotten harder, w...

In this special Space Symposium episode, Jim Carr sits down with Oliver Grassmann, Executive Vice President of Beyond Gravity’s Satellites division, to reveal the powerful — and often overlooked — force driving aerospace innovation: culture.

From startup energy to decades of legacy, Beyond Gravity’s real advantage is its people-first leadership. Oliver shares how building trust, liking your team, and foste...

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 leadership lessons from manufacturing apply at orbital altitude. Wesley shares insights on team culture, process testing, and what small shops can borrow from space-tech thinking. Whether you’re on the floor or calling the shots, this one’s packed with practical...

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 Capkovitz and Mike Watkins from EBITDA Growth Systems. We dive into the rhythm, the real talk, and the raw challenges that shops like mine face every day. From behind-the-scenes coaching stories to how CARR Machine leans on their insights to stay focused and grow—we're breaking it al...

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 Systems — the fractional CFO team that’s helped us transform CARR Machine & Tool since 2022. Their bold promise? Double your EBITDA in three years or don’t pay a dime.

We talk about why financial strategy is different for manufacturers, how their laser-focused expertise deli...

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 and easy approvals. But what's really going on behind the scenes? How did they get our info, why are they targeting us, and what's the true cost of these so-called "solutions"?

In this episode of My TRUE POSITION, I'm breaking down the funding frenzy ...

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 down how manufacturers can use LinkedIn as a tool—not a time-sucking, stress-inducing headache.

• Why LinkedIn feels overwhelming (and how to fix it)
• How to engage without feeling pressured to post all the time
• The re...

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 differences, the real costs, and how to offset expenses using Manufacturing Extension Partnerships (MEPs).

If you want to win aerospace and defense contracts but the price tag has you hesitating, this episode is for you. No fluff—just straight talk ...

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 POSITION, I break down why every manufacturing leader needs a strong bio and a professional headshot. We’ll cover why your digital handshake matters, who needs one, how to craft it, and why a professional headshot is worth it.

If ...