Recorded live on-site at FABTECH 2024, this special episode of The Manufacturing Culture Podcast features Matthew and Lindsay Nix, the dynamic duo behind the transformation of Nix Companies, a fifth-generation family business that has grown into a culture-first manufacturing powerhouse. Host Jim Mayer dives into their remarkable journey—from $5 Saturdays in the shop to 100X revenue growth—unpacking the intentional leadership, deep-rooted values, and community-driven mission that fuel their success.
They share candid insights on building a scalable company culture, launching a franchise model to empower other owner-operators, and balancing legacy with innovation. If you care about what it feels like to work in manufacturing—and how to make that feeling matter—this episode delivers.
Key Takeaways
- Culture is the Vibe Inside: It’s more than words on a wall—it’s how it feels when you walk into the shop. And that feeling is built with intentionality, consistency, and values-driven leadership.
- From Family to Force: Nix Companies grew from four family members to over 200 employees, proving that small-town roots and big-time vision can coexist.
- Hiring with Intention Changes Everything: Drawing a line in the sand on who they hire—and why—transformed their business and laid the foundation for a thriving culture.
- Mission, Vision & Values Should Evolve: But they must always be authentic and come from the top—then be reinforced through every level of the organization.
- Women in Manufacturing: Lindsay’s journey from accounting to sales to external relations shows how women can lead, influence, and thrive in male-dominated spaces.
- Franchising a Fabrication Model: Nix Companies is pioneering a franchise model in manufacturing to support owner-operators with playbooks, back-end systems, and cultural integration.
- Community Is Part of the Business Plan: From local schools to Junior Achievement, giving back is not a PR move—it’s who they are.
Chapters
- 00:00 The Evolution of Nix Company
- 02:51 Building a Strong Company Culture
- 05:51 The Role of Family in Business
- 09:00 Defining Corporate Culture
- 12:11 Personal Journeys and Career Aspirations
- 20:48 Evolving Mission, Vision, and Values
- 23:18 The Formation of Nick's Companies
- 26:13 Integrating Culture Across Business Units
- 31:17 Balancing Tradition and Innovation
- 33:59 Community Engagement and Educational Initiatives
- 35:46 Future Aspirations and Franchise Model
