CLA manufacturing professionals make regular guest appearances on MakingChips podcasts like the Machine Shop MBA series and Buy the Numbers. Get valuable real-world insights to help you start, run, and grow a successful manufacturing business.
Build a strong business foundation and plan for flexible growth.
Machine Shop MBA Episode 481
The Gold Standard of Shop Finance: Cash Flow, Profit and Growth
Running a machine shop isn’t just about cutting chips — it’s about managing the numbers that make the whole operation possible. In this Machine Shop MBA episode of MakingChips, the hosts sit down with Jon Hughes of CLA to tackle one of the most overlooked yet critical parts of shop ownership: financial strategy.
Dig into why cash flow is king, what “working capital” really means for a shop, and how to navigate customer payment terms that often feel stacked against smaller manufacturers.
Buy the Numbers Episode 26
Beyond the Highest Bid: Selling Your Business with Legacy in Mind
Guest co-host Erin Mickels sits down with two sets of owners who have recently gone through the process of selling their companies. From fielding unsolicited offers to choosing between 26 potential buyers, their stories highlight the strategic, emotional, and deeply personal factors that shape a sale.
The discussion covers everything from preparing your books for sophisticated buyers to why you should always run your business as if you’re planning to sell — even if you aren’t.
Buy the Numbers Episode 25
Legacy, Liquidity, and the Long Game: What Really Happens After the LOI
Selling your business isn’t just about the final number — it’s about how much you actually keep. In this episode of Buy the Numbers, the team from CLA — Erin Mickels, Mike Britten, and Mike Pohl — returns to unpack the deal details that often get overlooked but can have a huge impact on your outcome.
From signing the letter of intent to navigating working capital negotiations and tax planning, these advisors walk you through the critical steps that happen after the handshake. They share real-world insights on how to avoid common pitfalls, protect your leverage, and make sure your deal doesn’t fall apart at the last minute.
Buy the Numbers Episode 24
Legacy, Liquidity, and the Long Game: Building Value Before You Sell
Thinking about selling your manufacturing business? Don’t wait until you're “ready.”
In this episode of Buy the Numbers, three advisors from CLA — Erin Mickels (owner transition), Mike Britten (tax strategy), and Mike Pohl (wealth planning) — break down what it really takes to engineer a successful exit.
Whether you're years away or just starting to plan, they’ll help you understand how to build value, avoid costly mistakes, and prepare for life after the sale. These are the people who can help you turn your business goals into a smart, rewarding future.
Buy the Numbers Episode 23
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act has significant implications for manufacturers, affecting decisions on equipment purchases, facility expansion, hiring, and business sales.
Susan Roberts and Steve Combs from CLA clarify key actionable changes such as the return of 100% bonus depreciation, SALT caps, the ability to expense R&D costs again, and considerations for entity selection and estate planning — helping manufacturers plan effectively before year-end.
Machine Shop MBA Episode 460
Funding Your Dream Shop: Creative Ownership Strategies You Haven’t Heard Yet
If you’re hoping to own a machine shop but are running into money issues, you’re not alone. In this episode of MakingChips’ Machine Shop MBA series, host Mike Payne interviews Jon Hughes, Principal and CFO Consultant at CLA, to discuss the financial aspects of establishing a manufacturing business.
Starting with substantial savings is often seen as necessary, but we learn why purchasing an existing shop — even with older equipment — could be less risky than starting anew.
This conversation focuses on sustainable funding. From evaluating personal financial capacity to crafting a comprehensive financing approach, Mike and Jon share essential tools and how to present a financial plan that attracts bank approval.
Machine Shop MBA Episode 459
The Legal and Financial Stuff No One Warns You About When Starting a Machine Shop
Many people dream of launching a manufacturing business, but missing crucial steps like legal structure, tax setup, and insurance can derail that vision.
In this episode of MakingChips, CLA’s Brad Boettcher and Nick Vargosko discuss practical steps to start your shop strong. They cover choosing and registering your business entity, avoiding pitfalls with your business name, acquiring necessary documentation, and planning for scalability and growth.
Machine Shop MBA Episode 458
Shop Formation 101: Entity Types, Tax Traps, and Long-Term Strategy In this Machine
In this Machine Shop MBA episode, discover how to form your shop with the right entity type by gaining the insights you need to make informed decisions and structure for growth. CLA’s Nick Vargosko and Brad Boettcher discuss sole proprietorships, LLCs, S corporations, C corporations, and partnerships and why entity choice impacts your organization's future.
Get insights on asset protection, tax and exit strategies, and positioning for investment or sale. Don't miss these real-world insights on building a scalable manufacturing business.
Learn from cautionary tales and discover steps to help prevent trouble, reduce risk of audits, and maintain control of your business. This episode is essential for aspiring shop owners, side hustlers-turned-founders, and anyone helping others start a shop.
How CLA can help you start, run, and grow a business
CLA offers a range of professional services and guidance to help potential owners build and nurture a scalable and successful organization while avoiding common pitfalls:
- Entity types and business formation
- Tax strategies and compliance
- Legal and financial setup
- Funding and financial planning
- Business insurance and facility considerations
Contact us
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