Don’t Tell Me No - Tell Me How with Mike Payne

Manufacturing Mavericks

Greg McHale sits down to talk with Mike Payne, Owner of Hill Manufacturing about his unconventional path to becoming a shop owner. Mike was actually helping the previous owner look for a buyer when he decided to make an offer himself. After 25 years in software and private equity, Mike realized that he really liked the can-do attitude and willingness to help each other that manufacturers share. This episode explores how Mike leveraged his background in private equity and data analysis to double his shop’s size in 5 years - every five years.

• Bloodstains, sweat and tears (1:40)
• Taking the plunge and buying a shop (11:19)
• Why there’s a big red barn on the shop floor - and we’re talking BIG (19:29)
• Yay, it’s Monday. Building a great culture where people want to come to work (21:55)
• Setting the standards everyone can operate within (26:04)
• The technology & tools to grow the business (35:30)
• Don't want to be the cheapest option (41:40)
• Doubling the business in 5 years - every 5 years (46:22)
• This podcast pissed me off (48:59)
• Being there for each other (54:12)

Links Referenced:

• Datanomix: https://datanomix.io/
• Hill Manufacturing: http://www.hill-manufacturing.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillmfg/
• mfgmavericks.com: https://mfgmavericks.com