In this episode of Machine Shop Mastery, I sit down with Kyra Tillman, third-generation owner of BTM Industries. When Kyra returned to the family shop, she inherited more than just machines—she inherited decades of "this is how we've always done it."
What she's done since is nothing short of a transformation. With grit, grace, and a serious knack for finding and using resources, Kyra has turned a quiet, closed-door machine shop into a vibrant, collaborative, culture-driven powerhouse—one where growth and fun coexist, Nerf guns included.
We dig deep into how she transitioned the shop from old-school processes and undocumented tribal knowledge into a modern, ISO-certified job shop with an eye toward continued growth. Kyra shares candidly about the challenges of taking over from her father, navigating culture change, building an apprenticeship program, and leveraging MEP grants and peer groups to grow her business and team.
This conversation is a roadmap for any shop owner who's been putting off change, underestimating the power of collaboration, or unsure where to start when it comes to scaling smarter—not just bigger.
Kyra's journey proves that transformation doesn't require perfection—it requires community, commitment, and a willingness to be both humble and hungry. Whether you're a next-gen leader or seasoned veteran, this episode is full of the kind of real talk and actionable advice that'll get you thinking differently.
You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
- (0:00) Goofballs with grit: The culture inside BTM Industries
- (0:31) Stay tuned for registration information about Top Shops 2025
- (1:31) Introducing Kyra Tillman: Queen of resources and collaboration
- (3:46) Shop snapshot: BTM's low-volume, high-variety machining work
- (5:30) The origin story: From grandfather's founding to Kyra's return
- (9:12) Doubling revenue with the same headcount
- (11:28) Email campaigns and grant-funded lead gen
- (15:21) Collaborating with MEPs and why you should too
- (18:00) The power of industry groups like NTMA and peer networks
- (28:23) Culture change: From isolation to cross-training and teamwork
- (30:18) Grow your top and bottom-line with CLA
- (32:55) The family buyout and post-transition challenges
- (36:30) ERP systems, ISO certification, and lessons from poor fits
- (40:00) Hiring for character, training for skill
- (43:36) Tracking metrics and fostering team transparency
- (45:41) Getting comfortable with growth and being the face of the business
- (47:05) Culture wins: T-shirt design contests, Nerf wars, and tacos
- (49:48) Strategic decisions: Standardizing machines and tools
- (52:23) Advice for successors and new shop owners: Find your support system
- (53:52) Kyra's opinion on the trajectory of manufacturing
- (56:14) Why you need to listen to the Lights Out podcast
Resources & People Mentioned
Connect with Kyra Tillman
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Audio Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK
