Jay and Andrew start by talking about getting back into work after time away, which leads into a broader discussion about applying work systems and efficiency principles in both the shop and at home. They cover a range of topics including garage organization, equipment decisions, troubleshooting production issues, trade shows, business growth, tools, taxes, and the use of AI, and more.

Fresh off the Machining Summit on the Summit in Mammoth Lakes, Andrew and Jay sit down to unpack what actually made the experience worth it...and it wasn’t just the sessions. From gondola rides to small, living-room-style conversations, they talk about how being in the right environment with the right people leads to better conversations, clearer thinking, and relationships that actually matter.

Along the way, they share some of the bigger takeaways that stuck with them, including why collaboration tends to win over competition, where they see the industry heading, real-world lessons on finances, building redundancy into your operations, and more.

What happens when your factory catches fire without warning? In this episode, Brian Meyers (president of Fat American Mfg and host of Lean by Doing podcast) sits down with Jay and Andrew to share the story of a fire that broke out in his brand-new facility, and what it revealed about leadership, preparation, and the power of lean manufacturing.

In short: what could have been a total loss wasn't at all. Because of the systems already in place due to a culture shaped by lean thinking, his team didn’t panic. They acted. And their decisions prevented far greater damage.

But the story doesn’t end with the fire. Brian walks through the long aftermath: the disruption, the emotional weight on the team, the insurance process, and the slow return to normal operations. Along the way, he reflects on what he would and wouldn’t change, and how the experience reshaped his thinking on safety, culture, and resilience.

Learn more from Brian:

Lean by Doing Podcast

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