Machine Shop Profit Starts with the Right Work — and Working Machines with Paul Van Metre ProShopERP

In this episode, CMMSradio welcomes Paul Van Metre, co-founder of ProShop ERP, to talk about a recent regional workshop focused on helping machine shops win more profitable work — and keep it.

The conversation explores the critical balance between quoting strategies, choosing the right kind of work, and making data-driven decisions. Paul emphasizes that while technical skills are often strong in small-to-midsize shops, business systems — especially maintenance — are often lacking.

Many shop owners neglect preventative maintenance and calibration, prioritizing production over long-term health. But that short-term mindset leads to breakdowns, bottlenecks, and lost profit.

Paul shares how ProShop’s equipment module acts as a lightweight CMMS, helping shops schedule maintenance, issue work orders, and stay ahead of breakdowns — especially helpful for ISO-certified operations.

The message is clear: a little planning up front, including regular, simple maintenance routines, can unlock major gains in reliability, quality, and profitability.

Increase Profits with Preventive Maintenance: https://proshoperp.com/increase-profi…

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Full Speed or Nothing Baby! Metallica’s All Within My Hands Foundation Renee Richardson on CMMSradio

In this episode, we’re joined by Renée Richardson, Director of Philanthropy for Metallica’s All Within My Hands Foundation (AWMH). It’s over a year in the making and well worth it! We learn about Renée’s journey from Bay Area radio into the nonprofit world showcasing AWMH’s deep commitment to building better futures through workforce education and community support. A central focus is the Metallica Scholars Program, which connects individuals to technical training and career opportunities through community colleges across the U.S. A special shoutout to ShopFloor Coffee for their support of All Within My Hands, the trades, and manufacturing culture.

• Former radio host at KFOG and Live 105.
• Now leading philanthropy for Metallica’s AWMH foundation.
• AWMH supports disaster relief, food security, and skilled trades education.
• Metallica Scholars Program Now active in all 50 states and Guam.
• Helps fund short-term, affordable training in skilled trades and manufacturing.
• Supports both students and adults seeking career change or upskilling.
• Major Partners: Includes Carhartt, Wolverine, and the Lowe’s Foundation.
• AWMH works with Metallica’s M72 tour stops to connect students and community partners.
• Renée shares how the foundation helps transform lives—often leading to real job opportunities.

Reach out via info@allwithinmyhands.org or support through their Month of Giving merchandise sales at https://www.allwithinmyhands.org and support this amazing foundation! They are making a real difference! Keep an eye out for more update from All Within My Hands on CMMSradio!

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From Poultry to Asset Management Champion with Joe Caetano of Elevotec from Streamline 2025

Meet Joe Caetano of Elevotec! From poultry to asset management champion! It’s just a slice of the journey story and it’s loaded with insights, laughs, and a real talk on maintenance management! Just what we like!! Thank you, Joe, for an awesome discussion! Your passion is obvious!

Connect with Elevotec here: https://www.elevotec.com/

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Meet team WearCheck International Ahead of Reliable Plant 2025

In this episode of CMMSradio, we meet the team from Wear Check International – Jon Fazenbaker, Leila Morzan-Lantos, Andreas “Andy” Lantos, and Bill Quesnel – To hear about their plans for RP2025 and their passions for the maintenance and lubrication industry.

Connect with Team WearCheck here: https://wearcheck.com/

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CMMS Ain’t Magic – Know Your Business First with Bryan Bieschke CMRP

This week we sat down with Bryan Bieschke (“Just a Mechanic”) of UpKeep for one of the most honest conversations we’ve had about CMMS implementation.

Spoiler alert: most failures aren’t about the software — they’re about unclear roles, leadership gaps, and chasing tools instead of outcomes.

💡 Some 🔑 takeaways:

• Start with a RACI chart — define who owns what before you even log in.
• Leadership matters — don’t expect teams to use what you won’t touch.
• Forget the sales pitch — make vendors prove it works in your world.
• Training isn’t about screens — it’s about empathy and trust.
• Data migration? Do it clean. And use it to reset your standards.

If you’re implementing a CMMS or thinking about it, this one’s a must-listen. No fluff. Just hard-earned lessons from the field. 🎧

Grab a discovery call and demo here:  https://upkeep.com/cmmsradio/

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Train, Clean, Optimize Using A CMMS Implementation Formula by Andy Gager

On this episode of CMMSradio, Andy Gager of AMG International lays out the no-nonsense path to CMMS success. From selecting the right system to avoiding common pitfalls, Andy shares what works—and what derails even the best intentions.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Choose smart: Research and narrow down 3–4 systems that match your business needs.
• Watch the fine print: Make sure vendor promises align with real requirements—get it in writing.
• Clean it up: Don’t migrate junk. Data cleansing is non-negotiable.
• Train with purpose: Multi-stage, hands-on training works better than rushed rollouts.
• Fix the foundations: Optimize PMs, validate asset hierarchies, and eliminate bad processes.
• Let AI help (but clean first): Good data makes AI smarter—not the other way around.

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The Maintenance Journey so far with Dan Anderson of ReliabilityX from Streamline 2025 on CMMSradio

Dan Anderson, of ReliabilityX, joins CMMSradio from the 2025 Streamline Asset Management User Conference in Greenville, SC. We learn about part of his journey – including the Datastream days – and his views on the overall asset management space from a maintenance and reliability perspective.

Dan has been around the game – Tune in and hear what he has to say. He’s a real pro and knows how to add value! Thank you, Dan, for being on CMMSradio!!

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Paul Crocker ReliabilityX Talking Photography and Maintenance on CMMSradio

Paul Crocker, CMRP is with ReliabilityX! We jumped on to record about his interest in photography and how that fits well into the maintenance and reliability space. It’s fascinating to see how these worlds converge, or maybe collide, only to find out how much value comes from combining an interest like this in a valuable, impactful way, to the industry we all love!!

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ISO 55000 for Better Asset Management Decision Making and Operations with Marc Laplante

In this CMMSradio episode, Marc Laplant of Hexagon Asset Lifecycle Intelligence discusses the importance of ISO 55000 in asset management. The framework ensures alignment between management and operations, focusing on processes, policies, and leadership. He highlights starting small and improving iteratively, and shares insights on condition monitoring’s role in decision-making. The episode concludes with his thoughts on work-life balance and continuous personal growth.

Key Topics:

• The role of ISO 55000 in asset management and organizational alignment.
• The importance of processes and leadership over technology in asset management.
• Condition monitoring’s impact on decision-making and operational visibility.
• Best practices for implementing asset management systems effectively.

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Teaching, Not Telling, with Danny Koontz on Leadership and Facilities Management on CMMSradio

In this podcast episode, CMMSradio interviews Danny Koontz, who recently received a Lifetime Achievement Award from RFMA. Danny reflects on his 22-year journey with the organization, from attending a Darden meeting to becoming the last remaining original member of RFMA. He discusses his leadership evolution from a “teller” to a “teacher,” his management style, and his focus on transparency and authenticity. Danny shares insights on deploying Service Channel at Ruby Tuesday and managing CMMS platforms at Windy City Equipment. He highlights the importance of empowering team members and the need for clear communication to ensure successful outcomes in facilities management.

Key Points:

• Danny’s 22-year journey with RFMA and the surprise Lifetime Achievement Award.
• Transitioning from a “teller” to a “teacher” manager and empowering team members.
• Importance of communication and transparency in managing CMMS platforms and facilities.

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Get a GRIPP on Agricultural Operations, Equipment, and Maintenance – It is CMMS for Farming

We finally have technology dedicated to farming and equipment management!!  It’s called GRIPP and we’ve got the CEO, Tracey Wiedmeyer, telling us the story!!  

How did the journey start?

It’s Dead Simple to use for a reason!

Why does it matter and how does it fit perfectly for agriculture?

This is a journey you’ll all want to follow!  The best part is you’re working with folks that understand you, they’ve done the work, they know farming and all that goes along with it.  This solution was purpose built for you and what you do!

Visit www.gripp.ag now and find out more!

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Tariffs, the April 2025 ISM PMI, and How Technology Can Help U.S. Manufacturers Thrive

In this episode of CMMSradio, Paul Lachance and Greg discuss the impact of tariffs on U.S. manufacturing. Paul explains that while tariffs aim to protect domestic industries, they often lead to higher prices and supply chain disruptions. The recent dip in the Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) signals growing concern in the manufacturing sector. To stay competitive, Paul advises manufacturers to embrace digital transformation through technologies like CMMS, predictive maintenance, and real-time analytics, helping improve efficiency, reduce costs, and build resilient supply chains.

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Conferences to Kahoot while Enhancing Maintenance with George Williams on CMMSradio

In this episode of CMMSradio, George Williams of ReliabilityX discusses maintenance, reliability, and the evolving role of CMMS. He shares insights from the Streamline conference, introduces ReliabilityX’s Kahoot quiz initiative for team engagement, and explores AI’s potential in CMMS for predictive maintenance. The conversation also covers the importance of effective planning, scheduling, and centralizing data to improve maintenance operations, along with a focus on aligning reliability efforts with business goals.

Key Points:

• Reflection on the Streamline conference and its focus on community and integrity.
• Introduction of ReliabilityX’s Kahoot quizzes to enhance learning and team engagement.
• Discussion of AI’s role in CMMS, focusing on automation and predictive maintenance.
• Emphasis on efficient planning, scheduling, and aligning reliability with business objectives.

Connect with ReliabilityX: https://reliabilityx.com/

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Bridging Operations and Maintenance via Data with Mindy Ruggiero on CMMSradio

In this episode of CMMS Radio, Mindy Ruggiero from East Coast Insights discusses her extensive background in chemical engineering and operations management with companies like Armstrong, Honeywell, and DuPont. After starting her own consulting firm, she helps businesses improve production, safety, and maintenance outcomes by leveraging data. Mindy emphasizes the importance of collaboration between operations and maintenance teams, the value of CMMS data for decision-making, and the need for proactive problem-solving to foster a culture of accountability.

Key Topics:

• Mindy’s background in chemical engineering and consulting.
• The role of data in maintenance and operations.
• Building relationships between operations and maintenance teams.
• Creating a culture of accountability in the workplace.

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Hydrogen Trucks, Lubrication Practices, and Maintenance Innovation with Sanya Mathura on CMMSradio

Sanya Mathura returns to CMMSradio discussing her experiences with Strategic Reliability Solutions, highlighting a recent visit to the Southwest Research Institute (SWRI) in Texas, where she saw a groundbreaking hydrogen-powered 18-wheeler (only one on the planet). She also reflects on her participation at the Lubricant Expo in Detroit, where she discussed the intersection of lubrication best practices and technology like AI, CMMS platforms, and the importance of proper lubrication to enhance machine reliability. The conversation emphasizes the significance of documentation and data in maintenance management.

Main Bullet Points:

• Hydrogen-powered 18-Wheeler at SWRI
• Lubrication Best Practices & AI
• The Role of Documentation in Maintenance

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