70. How NTL Industries Leverages Social Media to Achieve Growth

70. How NTL Industries Leverages Social Media to Achieve Growth

Author: Paul Van Metre January 15, 2025 Duration: 52:36

Greg McArthur's journey in manufacturing began as a child sweeping floors and cleaning mats in his father's machine shop. Over the years, he gained hands-on experience, evolving from a lathe hand to a skilled CNC machinist, estimator, and engineer. Eventually, Greg took a bold leap, bidding on a machine sight unseen on eBay and figuring out how to transport and operate it—foreshadowing his entrepreneurial spirit.

In 2017, Greg founded NTL Industries in his garage while working a full-time job. By carefully building a financial foundation, he transitioned to renting a facility, leasing machines, and growing a team. 

Today, NTL Industries is a full-service CNC precision machining shop in Sterling Heights, MI, specializing in defense, aerospace, agriculture, and automation. The company has grown to 11 employees and is moving into a state-of-the-art, 13,000-square-foot facility that reflects its ambitious trajectory.

From the beginning, Greg recognized the power of social media as a cornerstone of NTL's growth. He embraced platforms like LinkedIn to build a following, share exceptional work, and attract new clients. Greg's mantra is clear: if you're not promoting yourself every day, you're missing opportunities. By leveraging social media as a free marketing tool, NTL has gained exposure, received RFQs, and established a reputation for excellence.

In this episode, Greg shares his story, insights on growing a machine shop, and advice for young entrepreneurs in manufacturing. Whether it's navigating an economic downturn, diversifying into new markets, or overcoming challenges like labor shortages, Greg's practical wisdom is a must-hear for anyone looking to grow their business.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

  • [1:01] Introducing Greg McArthur and NTL Industries 
  • [5:14] How Greg got into machining 
  • [11:25] Growing the business despite challenges
  • [19:13] How and why NTL Industries diversified
  • [22:54] Leveraging social media for growth 
  • [27:05] Growing into a 13,000 square foot facility
  • [28:47] How they purchase their machines
  • [31:37] What NTL's hiring process looks like
  • [35:30] NTL's growth trajectory 
  • [41:02] The challenges they're overcoming 
  • [46:47] Meeting CMMC requirements
  • [50:05] Greg's advice for young shops

Resources & People Mentioned

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Paul Van Metre hosts Machine Shop Mastery, a conversation grounded in the real-world challenges and triumphs of running a precision manufacturing business. This isn't about abstract theory; it's a deep dive into the shop floor, focusing on the practical strategies that turn a technical skill into a sustainable and growing enterprise. Each episode pulls back the curtain on the operational, financial, and personal leadership aspects that define a successful shop, moving beyond the blueprints to talk about building a resilient business. You'll hear candid discussions about navigating client relationships, managing cash flow, investing in the right equipment, and developing a team that can execute complex work. The podcast aims to underscore the critical role these businesses play as community anchors and economic engines, often overlooked in broader industry talks. For current shop owners, the insights offer a path to refine their operations and boost profitability. For aspiring entrepreneurs with a passion for machining, these conversations provide a clear-eyed look at what it truly takes to launch and scale. Tune in for straightforward advice and stories that connect the craft of machining with the art of building a lasting legacy.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

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