Tyler Stillson, president and owner of Operose Manufacturing, joins host Jessica for an honest discussion about growth, risk, and technology in modern manufacturing.

From walking away from engineering school to building a multi-location business, Tyler shares the decisions, challenges, and lessons behind the scenes, from automation investments and scaling through acquisition, to the realities of losing customers and starting new product lines.

Also covered are the shifting demands in equipment, the impact of AI on small business operations, and the truths every shop owner should face about cash flow and growth.

Whether you’re a shop owner, machinist, or simply interested in how real-world manufacturing works today, this episode brings clarity to the pressures, opportunities, and responsibilities behind every investment and expansion.

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Connect with Jess on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaurbans/

Connect with Christina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinacasanova/

Connect with Tyler on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-stilson-1715416/

The OpOne Group: https://op1group.com/

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Join CNC Underground Newsletter! https://swiy.co/cncunderground

Join CNC Underground — the go-to weekly newsletter read by 6,000+ elite machinists and programmers. Get cutting-edge tips, tooling strategies, CAM shortcuts, and industry updates in one tight, no-fluff email.

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About Midwest CAM Solutions:Midwest CAM Solutions is the world’s largest GibbsCAM reseller, helping manufacturers boost productivity with expert CAM software solutions, training, and support.

Learn more at: www.midwestcamsolutions.com

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Chapters:00:00 Hidden Stress & Realities of Ownership00:19 CNC Underground After Hours—Introduction01:12 Leaving Engineering School for Machining02:02 First Steps in the Machine Shop03:08 Getting Started with CNC Machines04:16 Long Commutes and the Leap to Ownership05:01 Moving to Minnesota & Changing Markets06:45 Operose: Then vs. Now08:30 Building OP1 Group and Acquisitions10:00 Different Shop Specialties & Capabilities11:16 What Capabilities Matter Most Today?12:13 The Decline of Wire EDM Demand14:16 Rapid-Fire: Good Idea or Expensive Mistake15:43 Investing in Equipment Before the Work18:06 Risks of Relying on One Big Customer19:11 Starting a Product Line Within a Shop21:22 Automation for Solving Labor Shortages22:21 Automation for High Mix, Low Volume23:49 Recovering After Losing a Major Customer24:54 Filling Gaps With Product Innovation25:54 Risk Lessons From Losing Customers28:00 Using Automation to Manage Workflows & Labor30:23 Scaling Production Without More Hires31:02 Downsides of Automation: Scrap Risks32:28 The Version You Don’t See: Buying Machines, Leadership Stress36:02 What Really Happens After Acquisitions39:05 Building Trust Post-Acquisition41:05 Does AI Move the Needle for Small Shops?42:02 Building DIY Tools with AI for Operations45:14 Measuring Productivity in Automated Shops46:14 First Steps Into Automation for CNC Shops47:40 Real Concerns and Opportunities With AI49:00 AI Lowering Barriers for Small Businesses50:51 The Growing Dependence on AI52:13 Leadership Lessons From Scaling Operations56:25 Why Standardizing Across Shops Can Fail57:26 The Hazards of “Build It and They Will Come”58:25 Cash Flow, Invoices, and Payment Struggles59:11 Where to Find More About OP1 Group1:00:32 Final Takeaways and Closing

Jim Vinoski joins CNC Underground AfterHours to share decades of experience in manufacturing, spanning engineering, leadership, writing, and advising.

Mechanical engineer, former Forbes manufacturing columnist, industry podcaster, and longtime executive, Jim breaks down the evolution of factory work, the changing nature of automation, and the critical importance of both leadership and adaptable processes.

The conversation covers everything from early engineering surprises, navigating technology shifts like CNC and AI, to the need for upgrading work systems and training the next generation. If you’re interested in modern manufacturing, scaling your shop, or understanding the real stories behind American industry, this practical, candid discussion is for you.

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Connect with Jess on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaurbans/

Connect with Christina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinacasanova/

Connect with Jim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimvinoski/

Jim’s Substack: https://manufacturingtalks.substack.com/

Jim’s Website: https://www.manufacturingtalks.com/

———Join CNC Underground Newsletter! https://swiy.co/cncunderground

Join CNC Underground — the go-to weekly newsletter read by 6,000+ elite machinists and programmers. Get cutting-edge tips, tooling strategies, CAM shortcuts, and industry updates in one tight, no-fluff email.

————

About Midwest CAM Solutions:Midwest CAM Solutions is the world’s largest GibbsCAM reseller, helping manufacturers boost productivity with expert CAM software solutions, training, and support.

Learn more at: www.midwestcamsolutions.com

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00:00 Introduction and Guest Background01:00 Bicycles and the Path to Engineering01:34 Early Surprises in Factory Work02:06 First Manufacturing Role02:22 Lessons in Leadership and Business03:32 Adapting to Modern Manufacturing04:47 Autonomy and Shop Culture Changes05:07 Major Shifts in Automation06:11 Hesitancy Around New Technology06:55 Embracing or Avoiding Change08:13 Falling Behind in Manufacturing09:44 Common Mistakes—Ignoring Work Systems10:40 Automation Beyond the Factory Floor12:14 Sparking Debate in Manufacturing Commentary13:01 Energy Prices and U.S. Competitiveness14:10 Trade, Offshoring, and Industrial Capacity15:07 Shipbuilding and National Security Gaps16:17 Regulation and Manufacturing Realities17:05 Does Automation Cost Jobs?18:42 Retaining High-Level Work in the U.S.19:49 What Divides Manufacturing Leaders20:38 Documenting vs. Working in the Business23:15 Systems That Enable Shop Growth25:28 Metrics That Matter: Cash Flow and More28:19 The Value of Community and Learning29:41 Creative Headlines—Communicating Manufacturing33:39 Engaging the Next Generation34:39 Audience and Intent in Writing36:38 Optimism for U.S. Manufacturing37:24 Advice for Industry Leaders and Learners39:07 Where to Follow Jim Vinoski

Get an inside look at the changing face of manufacturing and the skilled trades with hosts Jessica Bird and Darryl Gratrix, founder of NextGen Skilled Trades Consulting. Darryl shares his personal path from a non-technical background to a leader in Canadian manufacturing, addressing tough questions about why the industry is losing talent and what can actually be done to bring the next generation in.

This conversation takes on classic myths about trade school, the realities of modern shops, and the shift from old-school “crusty” toolrooms to investing in people and technology. Learn how VR and AI are being used for training, the critical role of confidence versus skill, and what’s working to build a better future for tradespeople and manufacturers.

Whether you’re a shop owner, educator, parent, or a student considering career options, this episode is packed with grounded advice, candid stories, and actionable ideas for changing perceptions and building community.

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Connect with Jess on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaurbans/

Connect with Christina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinacasanova/

Connect with Darryl on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/darryl-gratrix-373827309/

———Join CNC Underground Newsletter! https://swiy.co/cncunderground

Join CNC Underground — the go-to weekly newsletter read by 6,000+ elite machinists and programmers. Get cutting-edge tips, tooling strategies, CAM shortcuts, and industry updates in one tight, no-fluff email.

————

About Midwest CAM Solutions: Midwest CAM Solutions is the world’s largest GibbsCAM reseller, helping manufacturers boost productivity with expert CAM software solutions, training, and support.

Learn more at: www.midwestcamsolutions.com

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