71. Why Trust Is Essential for Continuous Improvement in Manufacturing per Kirk Phelps

71. Why Trust Is Essential for Continuous Improvement in Manufacturing per Kirk Phelps

Author: Paul Van Metre January 29, 2025 Duration: 59:21

Today's guest is Kirk Phelps from American Precision Partners, a key figure driving the growth and transformation of multiple machine shops. Kirk's journey into machining began as a teenager in his dad's shop, where he started on manual machines while attending trade school.

After experiencing burnout, Kirk joined the Air Force and served for six years, eventually returning to machining with a fresh perspective. Through programming and a transition into management, Kirk discovered his passion for business development and leadership.

Now, as Regional Manager at American Precision Partners, Kirk oversees five—soon to be six—shops, working alongside Mike Fritz (featured in Episodes #57 and #58). Kirk plays a critical role in identifying strengths, addressing deficiencies, and leading cultural transformations within each shop.

Kirk's approach centers on building trust—both internally and with customers—to ensure smooth transitions. His dedication to fostering alignment between leadership and shop floor teams has driven impressive results, including a 40% growth last year at Quick Tek Machining.

In this episode, we'll explore how Kirk cultivates trust, transforms systems and processes, and builds a culture of continuous improvement to unlock a shop's full potential.

If you're looking to enhance your shop's operations, engage your team, or gain insights from a leader who leads by example, this episode is one you won't want to miss.

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

  • (0:50) Introducing Kirk Phelps with American Precision Partners
  • (5:40) Diving into Kirk's role as Regional Manager
  • (10:56) What's different about working on the business 
  • (16:43) How Kirk approaches conversations with customers
  • (27:38) Tackling on-time delivery in any shop
  • (31:02) Building trust with your leadership teams
  • (40:47) How a new process can transform your shop
  • (45:24) The importance of becoming a better leader
  • (53:59) Creating a culture of continuous improvement 

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Kirk Phelps 

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Audio Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK


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

Machine Shop Mastery
Podcast Episodes
93. A Builder at Heart Pivots and Buys a Machine Shop [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:57
Buying a machine shop is never simple — and for Matt Fortner, it was a leap into the unknown. Coming from backgrounds in plumbing, industrial fittings, product development, and even scrap metal buying, Matt felt a pull t…
91. Passion and Excellence Personified with Ty Haguewood [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:23
As a host, I've met hundreds of shop owners, but every once in a while, I meet someone whose story stops me in my tracks. Ty Haguewood, General Manager and CFO of Manufacturing Technologies, Inc. (MTI) and Stone Mather D…
90. Burnout Killed This Machine Shop [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:54
When you've poured 46 years of your life into building a thriving precision machine shop—one that grew from a one-man garage to 50 employees, world-class equipment, and top-tier aerospace customers—you don't expect it to…
89. Lessons Learned from Buying & Losing a Machine Shop | Mark Heston [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:26
In this powerful and deeply candid conversation, I sat down with Mark Heston, who first appeared on Episode 51 to share his story of buying and rebuilding an aerospace machine shop specializing in landing-gear components…
88. Learning, Building & Teaching with John Saunders [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:15
I've admired John Saunders for a long time. Most of you probably know him as the force behind the NYC CNC YouTube channel, the Business of Machining podcast, and of course, Saunders Machine Works. John has been creating…
87. People and Technology: Building an Enduring Shop [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:18
When I think about the shops that inspire me most, it's the ones that balance cutting-edge technology with a deep investment in people. That's exactly why I loved sitting down with Steve and Eric Van Orden of Paramount M…