Why Smart Owners Get Their Hands Dirty | Lean Built - Manufacturing Freedom E91

Jay and Andrew discuss the value of getting your hands dirty—and how doing so can give you fresh eyes on your business. Jay shares what it’s been like stepping back into a department he hasn’t worked in for years, spotting process drift, and rediscovering the satisfaction of lean improvements. Andrew relates his own experiences revisiting old stations and realizing just how much clarity comes from reengaging directly with the work. Along the way, they talk through the pitfalls of stale systems, how to balance small improvements with big strategic goals, and why owner involvement still matters. They also riff on the weird dreams machinists have, poke fun at boilerplate private equity emails, and discuss the tension between freedom and cash when it comes to selling a business. The conversation wraps with thoughts on the promise of AI tools like PLAUD and Fulcrum.