Talkin Shop with ShopSabre

2025 is a wrap! Before we rush into 2026 chasing new numbers and new growth, it is crucial to pause and take a true "inventory of success." In this final episode of the year on Talkin' Shop, Brandon and Nick revisit the highs and lows of 2025. Success isn't just about where you end up on December 31st; it's about what you endured, what you learned, and how you choose to move forward. We discuss why challenges—like pricing struggles, employee retention, and market shifts—are actually proof you are "in the game," not failing. Plus, we cover some hard lessons learned (including a historic fantasy football collapse), answer viewer questions about ShopSabre pricing and tech support, and break down the new "Rotation Feature" on Saber Nation University that's saving backs in the shop. Timestamps [00:00] - Intro to the Final Episode of 2025 [01:25] - "New Year Old Nick" & The Fantasy Football Collapse  [04:32] - Q&A: Why Does the Website "Not Have Pricing"?  [05:55] - Q&A: The Value of In-House Tech Support  [06:53] - Feature Highlight: Rotation Feature on Saber Nation University [08:39] - Taking an "Inventory of Your Success"  [13:16] - Why Challenges Are Proof You're Playing the Game  [16:39] - Gaining Perspective: What Actually Matters in Business?  [19:50] - Designing Your 2026: Work with Intention  [25:23] - You Are More Capable Now Than a Year Ago [32:27] - Motivational Quote of the Week #ShopSabre #TalkingShop #BusinessGrowth #2025Recap #2026Goals #SmallBusinessSuccess #CNCBusiness #Manufacturing #EntrepreneurMindset #ShopManagement #Leadership #reflectionandprogression  #motivational  Follow us for daily CNC content Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/shopsabre Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/shopsabre Twitter/X: https://x.com/ShopSabreCNC TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shopsabre LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shopsabre-cnc/ Like and Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more CNC router and CNC plasma cutting machine tutorials, DIY project builds, and more. We feature cutting in different materials such as wood, plastic, aluminum, and other various steels. For over 20 years, ShopSabre CNC has provided businesses and hobbyists with the best CNC machines at the best value. By focusing on unbeatable customer service and high-quality products built in the USA, we've grown from a single machine built at home to one of the most trusted CNC machine manufacturers in the country. Since building our first machine two decades ago, we now have over 10,000 CNC routers, plasma, and laser engraving machines in a wide variety of industries in over 40 countries. Our success is a result of our commitment to developing a better way to build CNC machines and support our customers. ShopSabre CNC  www.ShopSabre.com 21673 Cedar Ave, Lakeville, MN 55044 800-493-6021

If you own a CNC shop and are unsure about financing new equipment because of changing interest rates, this episode of Talkin' Shop with ShopSabre is for you. Hosts Brandon Bombardo and Nick Peters explain why now is a smart time to finance your next CNC machine, thanks to recent Federal Reserve rate cuts that make lending more favorable for business growth. Find out how low interest rates can make equipment financing a smart way to grow your business instead of a burden. Brandon and Nick clear up common misunderstandings, showing that a 0.25% rate change usually means only about $6 more per month on a $60,000 machine, while waiting to buy can cost you much more in lost revenue and productivity. They share practical tips, like keeping cash available for payroll and new opportunities, using tax breaks such as Section 179 deductions, and boosting your return on investment with faster production, shorter lead times, and new contracts. The episode also features real customer stories, including a sign shop that won big contracts after financing and a cabinetmaker who increased profits by buying materials wisely. It proves that financing is often a better choice than holding onto cash. If you are considering a ShopSabre CNC router, plasma, or laser to automate your work, lower labor costs, or stay ahead of competitors, financing can help you grow in 2026 without using up your savings. Don't miss out on bigger gains by focusing only on small savings. Smart borrowing can drive long-term success in manufacturing, woodworking, metal fabrication, and more. Timestamps: [00:00] - Intro to Talkin' Shop with Brandon Bombardo [00:37] - Why Financing Equipment Makes Sense Today [01:14] - Fun Banter: Introducing the Lego Connoisseur [03:31] - Overcoming Past Pricing Mindsets for Growth [05:20] - Viewer Q&A: Aggregates, Knife Control & Phase Converters [09:48] - Deep Dive: Financing as a Growth Tool, Not Debt [11:00] - Rate Cuts Explained: Real Impact on Payments [15:33] - Why Growth Always Beats Cash Hoarding [17:59] - Customer Stories: Machines Paying Themselves Off Fast [20:55] - Sign Shop Success: Landing Big Contracts Via Financing [22:55] - Cabinet Shop Win: Higher Margins Through Cash Preservation [25:30] - When Financing Makes Strategic Sense [29:55] - Tips: Work with Trusted Lenders Like Geneva Capital [32:23] - Final Thoughts: Use Financing Wisely for 2026 Success [36:07] - Motivational Quote & Hockey Life Lessons [40:31] - Holiday Wrap-Up & Merry Christmas #CNCFinancing #ShopSabre #CNCEquipment #BusinessGrowth #ManufacturingTips #CNCRouter #CNCPlasma #WoodworkingBusiness #MetalFabrication #ShopOwner #EquipmentFinancing #Section179 #GrowYourShop #Automation #ProductivityBoost Get a Quote Today: https://www.shopsabre.com/ Check out all of our equipment at https://www.shopsabre.com/ Follow us for daily CNC content Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/shopsabre Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/shopsabre Twitter/X: https://x.com/ShopSabreCNC TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shopsabre LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shopsabre-cnc/ Like and Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more CNC router and CNC plasma cutting machine tutorials, DIY project builds, and more. We feature cutting in different materials such as wood, plastic, aluminum, and other various steels. For over 20 years, ShopSabre CNC has provided businesses and hobbyists with the best CNC machines at the best value. By focusing on unbeatable customer service and high-quality products built in the USA, we've grown from a single machine built at home to one of the most trusted CNC machine manufacturers in the country. Since building our first machine two decades ago, we now have over 10,000 CNC routers, plasma, and laser engraving machines in a wide variety of industries in over 40 countries. Our success is a result of our commitment to developing a better way to build CNC machines and support our customers. ShopSabre CNC  www.ShopSabre.com 21673 Cedar Ave, Lakeville, MN 55044 800-493-6021

Welcome to Talkin' Shop Episode 229 with Brandon Bombardo and Nick Peterson! Today we're diving deep into the #1 thing that matters more than marketing, automation, or even price: Customer Service – and why manufacturing in-house (instead of outsourcing or importing) gives your customers a dramatically better experience. Most shop owners think customer service starts when the phone rings. Wrong. It actually starts the moment you decide WHO builds your product. In this episode we break down: How in-house manufacturing gives you total control over quality, lead times, and accountability Why outsourcing breaks the feedback loop and leaves customers frustrated Real-world stories: 5-day freight-damage turnaround vs. months of waiting on import parts The hidden costs of "cheaper" overseas products (downtime, lost loyalty, damaged reputation) How bringing production in-house skyrockets long-term profit, customization, and customer loyalty Whether you're a cabinet shop, sign maker, metal fabricator, or any small-to-medium manufacturer, this episode will change how you think about outsourcing forever. Timestamps 00:00 - Intro & Fantasy Football Banter 06:20 - Why Customer Service  Marketing, Automation, or Price 18:04 - Customer Service Starts the Day You Decide Who Builds Your Product 22:16 - How Outsourcing Breaks the Feedback Loop 25:43 - Real Story: 5-Day Freight Damage Turnaround (In-House Wins) 29:24 - Vertical Integration = Faster Support & Better Training 32:05 - Higher Margins & True Customization with In-House 38:20 - Support Speed, Parts Availability, and Customer Confidence 40:11 - In-House Isn't Just Operations – It's a Customer Service Philosophy 46:57 - Final Motivation & 2026 Challenge 🔥 Like this video if you're done sacrificing customer experience for a few bucks up front! 💬 Comment below: Are you bringing more in-house in 2026? 🔔 Subscribe + hit the bell so you never miss an episode! 📞 Ready to own your process and deliver legendary customer service? Get your custom ShopSabre CNC quote today → https://www.shopsabre.com/get-a-quote/ Check out all of our equipment at https://www.shopsabre.com/ Follow us for daily CNC content Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/shopsabre Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/shopsabre Twitter/X: https://x.com/ShopSabreCNC TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shopsabre LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shopsabre-cnc/ #CNC #CNCMachining #ShopSabre #Manufacturing #InHouseManufacturing #CustomerService #AmericanMade #CNCRouter #CNCPlasma #MadeInUSA #SmallBusiness #CabinetShop #SignMaking #MetalFabrication For over 20 years, ShopSabre CNC has provided businesses and hobbyists with the best CNC machines at the best value. By focusing on unbeatable customer service and high-quality products built in the USA, we've grown from a single machine built at home to one of the most trusted CNC machine manufacturers in the country. Since building our first machine two decades ago, we now have over 10,000 CNC routers, plasma, and laser engraving machines in a wide variety of industries in over 40 countries. Our success is a result of our commitment to developing a better way to build CNC machines and support our customers. ShopSabre CNC  www.ShopSabre.com 21673 Cedar Ave, Lakeville, MN 55044 800-493-6021

Feeling stretched, overwhelmed, or straight-up uncomfortable in your shop right now? That's not a problem — that's your sign you're growing. In Episode 228 of Talkin' Shop with ShopSabre, Brandon and Nick get real about why business growth feels so damn uncomfortable for small and medium-sized manufacturers — and why leaning into that discomfort is the fastest way to level up your shop, your team, and your profits. We break down the paradox every CNC shop owner faces: you want more orders, but when the workload finally explodes it creates chaos, burnout, and fear. The truth? Staying small and "comfortable" is actually the riskiest move you can make in 2026. Key moments & topics: Why discomfort is the price of progress (and how to embrace the suck) Real shop stories: cabinet shops cutting lead times from 12 → 8 weeks with automation The hidden cost of being "too busy to grow" Hiring fears, outdated equipment traps, and why your employees secretly want you to invest How investing in a new CNC router (or people/systems) isn't an expense — it's the tool that buys you time, quality, and sanity If you're maxed out, behind on quotes, or scared to pull the trigger on that next machine or hire — this episode is your push. 🔥 Ready to stop delaying growth and start dominating your market? Get a no-pressure quote on America's #1 CNC router brand built for production shops: 👉 https://www.shopsabre.com/get-a-quote/ 💬 Drop a comment: What's the #1 thing making growth feel uncomfortable in YOUR shop right now? Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro + Keeper of the Pens chaos 00:21 – Today's topic: Embracing the suck of growth 03:51 – Why being "too busy" is actually a growth signal 07:07 – Viewer Q&A (Crocodile file, cutting steel on routers, bad software) 11:48 – The paradox: You want growth… until it shows up 15:02 – Cabinet shop case study – 12 weeks → 8 weeks lead time 17:20 – The real danger of refusing to hire or automate 22:05 – Growth = stability (not risk) 25:59 – Comfort comes AFTER growth, never before 32:06 – Step-by-step: How to grow responsibly in 2026 38:31 – Motivational close: "You don't just deal with adversity…" Check out all of our equipment at https://www.shopsabre.com/ #CNCRouter #ShopSabre #TalkinShop #BusinessGrowth #EmbraceTheSuck #Manufacturing #CNCMachining #SmallBusinessGrowth #WoodworkingBusiness #MetalFabrication #Automation #CNCPlasma #Entrepreneurship #ShopTips #GrowYourShop Follow us for daily CNC content Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/shopsabre Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/shopsabre Twitter/X: https://x.com/ShopSabreCNC TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shopsabre LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shopsabre-cnc/ Like and Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more CNC router and CNC plasma cutting machine tutorials, DIY project builds, and more. We feature cutting in different materials such as wood, plastic, aluminum, and other various steels. For over 20 years, ShopSabre CNC has provided businesses and hobbyists with the best CNC machines at the best value. By focusing on unbeatable customer service and high-quality products built in the USA, we've grown from a single machine built at home to one of the most trusted CNC machine manufacturers in the country. Since building our first machine two decades ago, we now have over 10,000 CNC routers, plasma, and laser engraving machines in a wide variety of industries in over 40 countries. Our success is a result of our commitment to developing a better way to build CNC machines and support our customers. ShopSabre CNC  www.ShopSabre.com 21673 Cedar Ave, Lakeville, MN 55044 800-493-6021

Is buying an American-made CNC router just about patriotism, or is it a smarter move for your bottom line? In this episode of Talkin Shop, Brandon and Nick break down why domestic machinery is the superior choice for small and medium-sized shops focused on long-term profitability and growth. We dive past the slogan to discuss the real-world impact of quality control, parts availability, and reliable support on your business's success. The guys also tackle a rapid-fire Q&A session covering essential topics for shop owners. They discuss the best software workflows for designing MDF doors, the specific advantages of using manufacturer financing over traditional bank loans, and a critical warning about waiting until 2026 to make your equipment purchase. With vendor price increases on the horizon, waiting could cost you more than just time. Whether you are looking to upgrade your capacity or invest in your first CNC machine, this episode explains why "cheaper" import options often cost thousands more in downtime and rework. Tune in for actionable advice on scaling your shop with intention. Timestamps: [00:00] - Welcome & Intro to American-Made CNC Routers [00:53] - Introducing Nick Peters & Weather Banter [02:36] - Thanksgiving Wishes & End-of-Year Insights [05:35] - Q1: Designing MDF Doors with Software [07:33] - Q2: Financing Options vs. Your Bank [11:20] - Q3: Why Not Wait Until 2026? [13:44] - Defining American-Made: Quality & Support [17:04] - Benefits for Small Shops: Precision & Productivity [24:34] - Risk Reduction, Versatility & Maintenance Ease [30:05] - Employee Loyalty & Scaling Your Business [35:17] - Debunking Objections to American-Made CNC [39:47] - Partnership with ShopSabre & Final Thoughts Check out all of our equipment at https://www.shopsabre.com/ Follow us for daily CNC content Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/shopsabre Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/shopsabre Twitter/X: https://x.com/ShopSabreCNC TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shopsabre LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shopsabre-cnc/ Like and Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more CNC router and CNC plasma cutting machine tutorials, DIY project builds, and more. We feature cutting in different materials such as wood, plastic, aluminum, and other various steels. For over 20 years, ShopSabre CNC has provided businesses and hobbyists with the best CNC machines at the best value. By focusing on unbeatable customer service and high-quality products built in the USA, we've grown from a single machine built at home to one of the most trusted CNC machine manufacturers in the country. Since building our first machine two decades ago, we now have over 10,000 CNC routers, plasma, and laser engraving machines in a wide variety of industries in over 40 countries. Our success is a result of our commitment to developing a better way to build CNC machines and support our customers. ShopSabre CNC  www.ShopSabre.com 21673 Cedar Ave, Lakeville, MN 55044 800-493-6021