Many manufacturing businesses hit a plateau around $2 million in revenue, and breaking through that ceiling can feel overwhelming.

According to Paul Van Metre, it’s not just about working harder—it’s about building systems that work harder for you. In this episode, Paul, a manufacturing entrepreneur and co-founder of ProShop ERP, uncovers why so many businesses get stuck at this threshold—and how to overcome it.

We cover real-world insights on the common challenges shop owners face, from over-reliance on a single customer to wearing too many hats as the business owner. He explains why reinvesting in systems, processes, and people is essential—not just for scaling your business but for creating a better quality of life.

Whether your goal is to grow past $2 million or simply work fewer hours while maintaining profitability, Paul’s advice on lean principles, automation, and delegation will equip you with practical steps to move forward.

Tune in to learn how you can take control of your shop’s future, empower your team, and build a business that thrives—whether you’re at the helm or spending more time with your family.

• (0:00) Introducing Paul Van Metre and today’s topic
• (5:08) Why businesses cap at $2 million in revenue
• (10:48) Why reinvest revenue in systems and processes
• (13:13) The importance of hiring and delegation
• (20:52) How to break the $2 million cap
• (33:42) What can you do to make meaningful improvements?

• The E-Myth
• Built to Sell

• Connect on LinkedIn
• Machine Shop Mastery
• ProShop ERP

• Follow on LinkedIn
• Connect with Mike Payne on LinkedIn

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Did you know you could be leaving tens—or even hundreds—of thousands of dollars on the table every year? Most manufacturers don’t realize the incredible potential of grants to fund new projects, invest in equipment, and upskill their workforce.

In this episode of Buy the Numbers, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about manufacturing grants, with insights from Micki Vandeloo, a seasoned expert who has helped manufacturers secure over $185 million in funding.

Micki’s journey from 25 years in manufacturing to running her own grant-writing business is inspiring. In this episode, she shares how she went from securing $600,000 for her company to building a team dedicated to helping businesses unlock grant funding.

Whether you're just starting your search or looking to maximize your opportunities, Micki outlines actionable steps and key tips to navigate the grant process. You’ll learn:

• How grants can revolutionize your business (and how Micki leveraged them to secure millions).
• The most common types of grants available to manufacturers, from training to equipment investments.
• Practical steps to get started, including where to find opportunities at the state, federal, and local levels.
• How to stack multiple grants to lower project costs and maximize impact.
• The importance of well-defined projects and detailed applications to increase your chances of success.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make grant funding work for your business, this is the episode you don’t want to miss. Tune in to discover how you can tap into grants to grow, innovate, and secure the future of your manufacturing business. Don’t let this money go unused.

• (2:02) From 25 years in manufacturing to grant-writing
• (5:40) The impact grants can have on your business
• (9:53) The basics of manufacturing grants
• (17:18) Where can you get started?
• (21:13) What’s available at the Federal level?
• (24:53) How to start stacking grants
• (27:51) Why you need a well-defined project
• (29:06) Completing the grant application
• (33:30) Fine print to keep in mind
• (35:45) Who’s a good fit for Lakeview Consulting?
• (37:19) Micki shares some success stories
• (38:43) The importance of building relationships
• (44:43) Don’t let this money go unused

• Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance
• State Trade Expansion Program
• The Rural Energy for America Program

• Connect on LinkedIn
• Lakeview Consulting
• The Manufacturing Grants Database
• Sign up for Micki’s Newsletter

• Follow on LinkedIn
• Connect with Mike Payne on LinkedIn

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On this episode of Buy the Numbers, I sit down with Josh McKain to talk about his 3.5-step framework—the process he uses to help companies turn their goals into results.

Josh shares how he starts every project by aligning teams, often uncovering surprising gaps in understanding. From there, his framework guides teams through assessing their capacity, building a strategic roadmap, and staying on track with regular check-ins—the “half-step” that keeps everyone aligned.

We also explore the importance of tracking the right KPIs. Overloading your team with metrics can create confusion and dilute focus. Instead, Josh recommends identifying 3–5 key metrics that truly drive success and making sure every team member understands how their work impacts those goals.

Whether it’s coaching your team with data, staying agile in the face of challenges, or gamifying progress to boost performance, Josh’s insights are packed with actionable advice. Tune in to learn how you can set your team up for measurable success.

• Learn more about Josh McKain and Henry Rose Consulting [1:23]
• Josh’s three-and-a-half-step framework [4:42]
• Breaking down goals into KPIs [8:28]
• Why you need to review KPIs as a team [19:31]
• How Josh measures accountability [23:03]
• The importance of machine monitoring and data [25:43]
• The key to setting good goals [34:40]

• Connect on LinkedIn
• Henry Rose Consulting

• Follow on LinkedIn
• Connect with Mike Payne on LinkedIn

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