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Shop Talk with Jake Hall

In this episode, the conversation shifts to the real backbone behind today’s AI boom: precision manufacturing. While AI gets the spotlight, our guest highlights how chip and wafer production starts on the shop floor, where machine shops build the critical components that make advanced semiconductor equipment possible. It’s a reminder that the path to innovation begins long before the data center.
09 Dec 2025
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09 Dec 2025

The Manufacturing Exchange – Human-Centered Manufacturing: What Surprised Our Visitors Most

In this video, Meaghan and Jim share their candid reactions to touring Fathom’s Wisconsin headquarters, reflecting on the servant leadership, people-first culture, and employee empowerment they witnessed on the shop floor. From autonomy and problem-solving to genuine engagement, clean and inclusive workspaces, and a team energized by strong leadership, their experience highlights why manufacturing needs a renewed focus on humans, not just automation. Their conversation underscores how culture, trust, and values-driven leadership are essential to inspiring the next generation of makers.

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09 Dec 2025

Shop Talk with Jim Mayer

In this episode, the discussion focuses on why manufacturing companies must hire for values, not just skills. Jim explains that culture is deeply individual, and misalignment leads to turnover, disengagement, and lost pride in the work. By hiring people who share the organization’s values, companies can build stronger teams, healthier cultures, and a more positive industry narrative overall.

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09 Dec 2025

Shop Talk with Meaghan Ziemba

In this kickoff episode, our guest breaks down why robotics and advanced manufacturing, while powerful, can’t replace the human craftsmanship required in industries like medical. From tight nooks and complex geometries to critical finishing work, this conversation highlights the irreplaceable value of skilled technicians and the “human touch” behind truly high-quality part

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Transcript - Shop Talk with Jake Hall

Transcript – Shop Talk with Jake Hall

What is the hot buzz right now? AI is a big thing right here, but people are building all of these wafer and chip manufacturing facilities better than creating these AI farms. That starts actually here on the floor, right? When we walked back in the area and we were talking, we were looking at tours, they were making components that are going into equipment that is manufacturing chips and wafers. Right. You know, so it’s one of those things as people immediately look at what’s really cool, but they don’t realize to take a step back of how do we get there, how do we get there, is through machine shops like this.