In the fast-paced world of manufacturing, the thought of running a machine shop remotely can be daunting. However, siblings Eric Schmid and Heidi Schaefer, owners of Schmid Tool & Engineering, have successfully embraced this challenge and shared their story on the Making Chips podcast. Hosted by industry experts Jason Zenger and Nick Goellner, Making Chips is dedicated to equipping and inspiring manufacturing leaders by offering valuable insights from experts in the field.
In an early episode MC048, "Growing a Machine Business While Living 1,400 Miles Away," Eric and Heidi dive into the journey of managing their company from halfway across the country. Leaving your business in the hands of others can be anxiety-inducing, but Eric and Heidi discuss how they made the transition smoothly while keeping Schmid Tool & Engineering running effectively.
The Challenges of Letting Go
Eric and Heidi reveal that one of the biggest hurdles in working remotely was letting go of control. As Eric puts it, “To make manufacturing work, to make money, you feel like you have to grab it so hard it slips through your fingers.” The episode explores how they gradually learned to loosen their grip and trust their team, emphasizing the importance of proper planning and strategic decision-making.
A Deep Dive into Transitioning to Remote Work
Throughout the episode, the siblings discuss the steps they took to ensure a seamless transition. From understanding the company’s roots to defining their roles within the business, Eric and Heidi cover the crucial aspects that manufacturing leaders should consider when contemplating a move to remote leadership. They delve into various topics, including:
Planning the Transition: The duo outlines the detailed planning that went into their move, highlighting the importance of a well-structured approach to avoid unnecessary bumps along the way.
Being Accessible: Even while working remotely, maintaining accessibility to their team was vital. They discuss strategies for ensuring open lines of communication, which helped keep the business running smoothly.
Accountability and Mastering Fear: A key theme in their journey was holding themselves and their team accountable, even from a distance. Eric and Heidi talk about overcoming the fear of losing control and trusting in the systems they put in place.
Valuable Insights for Manufacturing Leaders
This episode of Making Chips serves as an essential guide for manufacturing leaders considering remote work. By exploring topics like the illusion of control, cultural consistencies, and the importance of building a strong team, Eric and Heidi provide valuable insights into how they overcame the challenges of running a business from afar.
To learn more about their experience, listen to the full episode above.
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