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Inside Top Shops 2025: A Two-Day Look at Manufacturing’s Future

Inside Top Shops 2025: A Two-Day Look at Manufacturing's Future

The NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, North Carolina, set the stage for one of the most forward-thinking manufacturing events of the year. The Top Shops 2025 Manufacturing Management Summit (MMS). Hosted by Gardner Business Media, this two-day summit brought together leaders, engineers, and innovators to explore the tools, technologies, and strategies driving modern manufacturing.

With its focus on automation, digital transformation, workforce development, and leadership, the event offered more than just information; it provided a roadmap for shops preparing for the future of machining.

Day One – Tuesday, November 11: Data, Technology, and Leadership

Morning: Setting the Tone

The first day of the summit set the tone for transformation, showing how technology, leadership, and collaboration are converging across the industry.

The summit opened at 9:00 a.m. with a welcome address from Brent Donaldson of Gardner Business Media in the High Octane Theater.

Shortly after, Michael Tummond from Hendrick Motorsports shared how advanced tools like NX CAM, probing, and MyVNCK are redefining precision in racing engine manufacturing. His presentation demonstrated how digital processes can deliver measurable performance on and off the track.

Following this, Dave Necessary, also from Gardner Business Media, presented Top Shops 2025 Data – Trends, Tactics, and Takeaways, revealing national insights on the strategies top-performing shops use to maintain productivity and profitability. The morning concluded with a Top Shops Panel recognizing the 2025 Honorees, each sharing experiences on innovation and operational excellence.

Midday: Collaboration and Networking

Attendees gathered in the Great Hall for lunch and exhibits, connecting with peers and exploring the latest tools, software, and technologies supporting the manufacturing ecosystem.

Afternoon: Innovation in Action

From 1:00 p.m. onward, the summit split into two tracks Machining Technology & Shop floor Practices and Business Strategies & Human Resources giving participants the choice between technical and leadership-focused discussions.

Machining Technology & Shop floor Practices

This track showcased how automation, AI, and data analytics are reshaping production.

  • Steven King (Blue Sky Robotics) explained how to identify the right processes for automation.
  • Steffen Kluth (ANCA) shared insights on predictive maintenance and real-time decision-making.
  • Akshat Thirani (Amper) and Roman Andrejko (Hendrick Motorsports) discussed how legacy equipment can be adapted through smarter data use.
  • Ed Rusnica (Kennametal) focused on digital machining tools powered by AI.
  • Gisbert Ledvon (HEIDENHAIN) demonstrated how digital manufacturing boosts process reliability and precision.

Business Strategies & Human Resources

In the adjoining Legends Room, sessions centered on leadership and business growth.

  • Micki Vandeloo (Lakeview Consulting) explained how machine shops can use grants to support strategic investments.
  • Marie Pompili (Gorman Pompili Communications) encouraged manufacturers to define their brand identity and strengthen public perception.
  • Mike Payne and Paul Van Metre (ProShop ERP) discussed building long-term wealth through succession planning.
  • Seth Getz (NuVescor) closed the track with insights on planning for sustainable growth and leadership transitions.

At 5:00 p.m., the day concluded with the Top Shops Awards Ceremony in the Great Hall, celebrating excellence across innovation, efficiency, and craftsmanship. A networking reception followed at the NASCAR Hall of Fame Museum, where attendees mingled among the historic cars and racing displays, an ideal blend of engineering inspiration and celebration.

Day Two – Wednesday, November 12: People, Cybersecurity, and the Path Ahead

Morning: Training, Talent, and Resilience

If Day One was about technology, Day Two was about people and how culture, training, and cybersecurity shape a sustainable future.

Day two began early with breakfast and registration, followed by a recap from Brent Donaldson.

Matt Wardle of JD Machine then took the stage with Attract. Train. Retain. Thrive., a session focused on building a resilient workforce through education and culture. His call to action set the tone for the day that people remain the foundation of every successful shop.

Scott Edwards from Summit 7 addressed another pressing topic: Supply Chain Cybersecurity and Vendor Risk Management. As manufacturing becomes more connected, his session outlined how shops can protect data, maintain compliance, and safeguard relationships across digital supply chains.

Mid-Morning: Technology Meets Talent

The mid-morning breakout sessions once again split into two focus areas.

Machining Technology & Shopfloor Practices

  • Mike Laurendeau (Caron Engineering) discussed identifying best-fit automation technologies to optimize machining operations.
  • Kevin Bowling (Major Tool & Machine) highlighted how ERP systems and generative AI can transform shopfloor operations.
  • Michael Tummond (Hendrick Motorsports) returned to discuss how 5-axis technology has revolutionized NASCAR engine production.
  • Brian Such (Marubeni Citizen-Cincom Inc.) presented advancements in CNC machining, rounding out a session rich in innovation and technical insight.

Business Strategies & Workforce Development

  • Darryl Gratrix (Molded Precision Components) explored how to attract the next generation of skilled workers.
  • Montez King (NIMS) introduced frameworks for improving training maturity.
  • Randy Rua (NuVescor) provided a five-step approach to exit planning for business owners.
  • Boris Soldo (shopGURU) discussed building a strong shop culture that retains talent and develops leaders.

Afternoon: Marketing and the Modern Manufacturer

After lunch, the summit returned to the High Octane Theater for its closing general sessions a blend of marketing insight and forward-looking inspiration.

  • Leslie Galbreath (DGS Marketing Engineers) led Marketing for the Win(s), a session exploring how manufacturers can strengthen brand presence and customer engagement.
  • Paul Lavoie (University of New Haven) delivered How to Inspire the Next Generation of Manufacturing Leaders, focusing on leadership development and mentorship.
  • The final presentation, Reimagining Lead Generation for Manufacturing by Francois Gau (GrowthHive), examined how digital channels and storytelling can drive measurable growth in B2B manufacturing environments.

At 3:00 p.m., the conference officially concluded closing two days of learning, networking, and strategic reflection.

Key Takeaways: What Top Shops 2025 Revealed

Across both days, several clear themes emerged:

  • Automation and AI drive precision and speed. Data-powered systems are enabling predictive maintenance, process optimization, and real-time quality control.
  • Sustainability begins with leadership. Business continuity, funding access, and succession planning are becoming essential for long-term stability.
  • People remain at the center of progress. Workforce training, culture, and leadership pipelines are vital to maintaining competitiveness.
  • Cybersecurity is now a manufacturing priority. Protecting digital systems and vendor networks is critical as operations grow more connected.
  • Marketing and communication matter more than ever. Modern manufacturers are blending technology with storytelling to strengthen brand visibility and customer loyalty.

Conclusion

The Top Shops 2025 Manufacturing Management Summit showcased how far the industry has come and how fast it continues to evolve. From digital machining to workforce empowerment, the event demonstrated that success in manufacturing today requires equal parts innovation, adaptability, and leadership.

For the attendees who filled the NASCAR Hall of Fame, one message was clear: the future of manufacturing belongs to those who are ready to automate, innovate, and inspire.

This is where QualityReports steps in. By providing clear visibility into operations, seamless inspection workflows, and actionable analytics, it helps manufacturers transform data into real-world improvements. Shops gain the insight they need to optimize production, maintain quality, and make decisions with confidence. In an era defined by rapid innovation, tools like QualityReports ensure manufacturers don't just keep up—they lead.