Industry trends 3/26/2026 CLA manufacturing professionals make regular guest appearances on MakingChips podcasts like the Machine Shop MBA series and Buy the Numbers. Get valuable real-world insights to help you start, run, and grow a successful manufacturing business. Build a strong business foundation and plan for flexible growth. The Overlooked Expense: How Utility Assessments Can Unlock Hidden Savings Most assessments explore familiar drivers of manufacturing performance — revenue, margins, cash flow, and capital decisions. In this conversation, we turn attention to a cost category many manufacturers rarely revisit: utilities. Electricity, natural gas, water, sewer, and waste are often treated as fixed expenses, even though they can quietly create unnecessary drag on the P&L. CLA professionals Lori Demeyer and Leticia Lawson break down how utility assessments work and where manufacturers may find savings through rate classifications, exemption certificates, time‑of‑use billing, and meter configurations. They also discuss why opportunities vary by state and what the review process looks like, helping manufacturers decide whether a deeper look at utility costs makes sense. Buy the Numbers Episode 36 The Inventory Blind Spot: How LIFO Can Unlock Massive Tax Savings If you’re like most manufacturers, you probably default to FIFO or weighted average for inventory accounting — mainly because that’s how your ERP is set up. But did you know that this choice could quietly cost you hundreds of thousands, or even millions, in extra tax payments during times of inflation and volatile raw material prices? Erica Parra and Cindy Houser from CLA explain how LIFO is a “use-it-or-lose-it” election, and if you don’t act soon, you could miss out on significant savings. Machine Shop MBA Episode 481 The Gold Standard of Shop Finance: Cash Flow, Profit and Growth Running a machine shop isn’t just about cutting chips — it’s about managing the numbers that make the whole operation possible. In this Machine Shop MBA episode of MakingChips, the hosts sit down with Jon Hughes of CLA to tackle one of the most overlooked yet critical parts of shop ownership: financial strategy. Dig into why cash flow is king, what “working capital” really means for a shop, and how to navigate customer payment terms that often feel stacked against smaller manufacturers. Buy the Numbers Episode 26 Beyond the Highest Bid: Selling Your Business with Legacy in Mind Guest co-host Erin Mickels sits down with two sets of owners who have recently gone through the process of selling their companies. From fielding unsolicited offers to choosing between 26 potential buyers, their stories highlight the strategic, emotional, and deeply personal factors that shape a sale. The discussion covers everything from preparing your books for sophisticated buyers to why you should always run your business as if you’re planning to sell — even if you aren’t. Buy the Numbers Episode 25 Legacy, Liquidity, and the Long Game: What Really Happens After the LOI Selling your business isn’t just about the final number — it’s about how much you actually keep. In this episode of Buy the Numbers, the team from CLA — Erin Mickels , Mike Britten , and Mike Pohl — returns to unpack the deal details that often get overlooked but can have a huge impact on your outcome. From signing the letter of intent to navigating working capital negotiations and tax planning, these advisors walk you through the critical steps that happen after the handshake. They share real-world insights on how to avoid common pitfalls, protect your leverage, and make sure your deal doesn’t fall apart at the last minute. Buy the Numbers Episode 24 Legacy, Liquidity, and the Long Game: Building Value Before You Sell Thinking about selling your manufacturing business? Don’t wait until you're “ready.” In this episode of Buy the Numbers, three advisors from CLA — Erin Mickels (owner transition), Mike Britten (tax strategy), and Mike Pohl (wealth planning) — break down what it really takes to engineer a successful exit. Whether you're years away or just starting to plan, they’ll help you understand how to build value, avoid costly mistakes, and prepare for life after the sale. These are the people who can help you turn your business goals into a smart, rewarding future. Buy the Numbers Episode 23 The One Big Beautiful Bill Act has significant implications for manufacturers, affecting decisions on equipment purchases, facility expansion, hiring, and business sales. Susan Roberts and Steve Combs from CLA clarify key actionable changes such as the return of 100% bonus depreciation, SALT caps, the ability to expense R&D costs again, and considerations for entity selection and estate planning — helping manufacturers plan effectively before year-end. Machine Shop MBA Episode 460 Funding Your Dream Shop: Creative Ownership Strategies You Haven’t Heard Yet If you’re hoping to own a machine shop but are running into money issues, you’re not alone. In this episode of MakingChips’ Machine Shop MBA series, host Mike Payne interviews Jon Hughes, Principal and CFO Consultant at CLA, to discuss the financial aspects of establishing a manufacturing business. Starting with substantial savings is often seen as necessary, but we learn why purchasing an existing shop — even with older equipment — could be less risky than starting anew. Machine Shop MBA Episode 459 The Legal and Financial Stuff No One Warns You About When Starting a Machine Shop Many people dream of launching a manufacturing business, but missing crucial steps like legal structure, tax setup, and insurance can derail that vision. In this episode of MakingChips, CLA’s Brad Boettcher and Nick Vargosko discuss practical steps to start your shop strong. They cover choosing and registering your business entity, avoiding pitfalls with your business name, acquiring necessary documentation, and planning for scalability and growth. Machine Shop MBA Episode 458 Shop Formation 101: Entity Types, Tax Traps, and Long-Term Strategy In this Machine In this Machine Shop MBA episode, discover how to form your shop with the right entity type by gaining the insights you need to make informed decisions and structure for growth. CLA’s Nick Vargosko and Brad Boettcher discuss sole proprietorships, LLCs, S corporations, C corporations, and partnerships and why entity choice impacts your organization's future. Get insights on asset protection, tax and exit strategies, and positioning for investment or sale. Don't miss these real-world insights on building a scalable manufacturing business. Learn from cautionary tales and discover steps to help prevent trouble, reduce risk of audits, and maintain control of your business. This episode is essential for aspiring shop owners, side hustlers-turned-founders, and anyone helping others start a shop. How CLA can help you start, run, and grow a business CLA offers a range of professional services and guidance to help potential owners build and nurture a scalable and successful organization while avoiding common pitfalls: Entity types and business formation Contact us Build a strong business foundation and plan for flexible growth. 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