Description

In this episode of The Germinate Podcast, host Joe Sampson sits down with Matthew Meade, founder of FX Machine Tool, to discuss his journey from farm life in Iowa to leading a successful machine tool business. Matthew shares insights on transitioning from engineering to sales, the importance of building strong customer relationships, and how FX Machine Tool has grown into a trusted name in the industry. He also talks about the evolution of metal fabrication technology, the power of networking, and his love for the Lake of the Ozarks.

If you're an entrepreneur, manufacturer, or just someone looking for inspiration on taking the leap into business ownership, this episode is for you!

Key Takeaways:

• ✅ From Engineer to Entrepreneur: How Matthew transitioned from manufacturing engineering into industrial sales.
• ✅ The Power of Relationships: Why building trust and long-term connections is key to sales success.
• ✅ Scaling a Business: How FX Machine Tool grew from a single-state operation to covering five states.
• ✅ Manufacturing Technology Trends: The impact of fiber lasers, automation, and easy-to-use interfaces on the industry.
• ✅ Work-Life Balance: Managing business, family, and fun at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Notable Quotes:

• 🗣️ "If these people are going to trust you—and you're asking them for a million dollars—they really need to know you." – Matthew Meade
• 🗣️ "I went from not knowing anything about sales to being Bystronic's #1 salesman in the world." – Matthew Meade
• 🗣️ "The best software wins. If a machine is easy to use, that’s the game-changer." – Matthew Meade

Links & Resources:

🔗 FX Machine Tool Website: https://fxmachinetool.com/

🔗 Matthew Meade on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-meade-5002a946/