Author: FlexTrades Marketing Team
New Year’s Resolutions Redone – “Debunking Resolutions”
New Year’s resolutions are often cited as the unattainable goals we set in January, and they are iconic for being forgotten in the new year. The truth is this – you don’t need to set a specific date to start a goal. In fact, my New Year’s resolution started last November, and I’m continuing it in 2023.
Putting pressure onto the meaning of a resolution implies that, after you complete it, there’s no other work to do. I’m here to help debunk new year’s resolutions and hopefully inspire you to create and maintain realistic and meaningful goals in your life… all year round.
My New Year’s Resolution in 2022
In 2022, I was determined to take control of my health. I vlogged (Video Blogged) every morning and talked about the good, the bad and the in between when it comes to weight loss. Two months later, my goal disappeared. Lack of motivation and passion were surely not the issues, so what went wrong?
- Focusing on a diet plan outside of my budget range
- Putting pressure on perfection with no room for error
- Ignoring short-term goals within a long-term plan
- Failing to figure out the why
Create Your Goals
Let’s talk about how you can avoid the same four mistakes that I made and crush your goals in 2023. First, we need to discuss SMART Goals. What is a SMART goal? I’m so glad you asked. Check out the graphic below.
Need help identifying SMART goals? Microsoft Office offers this free template: here.
Now, you may have learned about SMART goals in school, but let’s break them down a little bit, shall we? SMART goals are goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and monitored over time. Truthfully, these are, what I like to call, goals with intention. We discuss the power of manifestation, and this will help you achieve your goals. The reality is that when you sit down to create a goal, you immediately plan the steps you need to take in order to accomplish it. When a resolution is set, there’s no thought process. It’s just a desire you would like to achieve someday.
Setting Goals is all About Intent
The intent to do something can make your dream a reality. If you intend to get a promotion at your job by the end of the year, you are more likely to take the steps that are necessary to getting there. This is when the plan starts to map itself out:
- Assisting with extra projects
- Expressing specified interests in your quarterly reviews
- Setting a timeline
- Self-Assessing your current project completion
These simple steps are prime examples of SMART goals in action. You specified by the end of the year that you want that promotion. You measured the goal by pinpointing prime areas; areas in which you can showcase that you’re ready for new responsibilities. These goals are made attainable through your self-assessment and quarterly review check-ins. The promotion then becomes realistic as this plan fits within your daily routine and works with your schedule. You identified the time by stating when the promotion is happening and how often you would touch base to check on this goal.
Starting a 2023 Resolution in November
Yes, I started my New Year’s Resolution in November of 2022. And while the new year is a great time to reevaluate change in your life, my goal this year couldn’t wait. Again, my goal was to lose weight and take control of my health.
My initial resolution in 2022 resulted in me losing two lbs., or about one pound a month.
My resolutions for 2023 remained the same, but by creating SMART goals, I have been able to lose approximately 10 lbs. in the past two months, or about five pounds a month.
I am following the same exact routine this year as I did last year, but this time I found resources within my budget to ensure that my goal was both attainable and realistic. I now have weekly goals, a 6-month goal, and an end-of-year goal to keep me motivated and moving forward. These goals are accompanied by a realistic, imperfect schedule that works for me.
Next Steps
Debunk those new year’s resolutions, and don’t lose sight of what you want to achieve. Use SMART goals, think about your passions, and place intent behind these ideas. Watch your goals become reality, discuss them with those close to you, and enjoy the view as that New Year’s resolution voodoo simply fades away.
This week Americans celebrated the 246th birthday of our country. We wanted to pile on by celebrating ten of the greatest inventions the U.S. has contributed to the world. Some are big, some are simple, but each one made life a little easier, a little faster, or a whole lot better. Here are our picks, in no particular order.
Bread Slicing Machine
America may not have invented sliced bread, but the bread slicing machine was all ours. Otto Frederick Rodwedder, a jeweler from Iowa, spent more than a decade perfecting his design. It finally hit commercial production in 1928 and changed the way we eat forever. To this day, every new innovation is still compared to the “best thing since sliced bread.”
The Internet
In 1969, researchers working for the U.S. Advanced Research Projects Agency sent the first host-to-host message between UCLA and Stanford. That single data packet was the start of something massive. Today, more than half the world is online, and the internet adds trillions to the global economy every year.
Global Positioning System (GPS)
Approved by the Department of Defense in 1973, GPS was designed to synthesize the best elements of existing satellite navigation systems. It became fully operational in 1993 and has changed the way we navigate — on land, sea, and air — ever since.
Post-It Notes
Thanks to a happy lab accident by 3M chemist Spencer Silver, and a clever idea from his colleague Art Fry, the Post-It Note was born in 1974. Originally used to mark hymnal pages during choir practice, it went on to revolutionize how we leave reminders, plan meetings, and stick grocery lists to the fridge.
The Telephone
Scottish-born Alexander Graham Bell was living in Massachusetts when he patented the electric telephone in 1876. Three days later, he made the first phone call: “Mr. Watson – come here – I want you.” With that, the world got a little smaller, and communication changed forever.
The Airplane
Bicycle mechanics Wilbur and Orville Wright were obsessed with flight. On December 17, 1903, in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, they launched the first successful powered aircraft. Every plane since has borrowed from the core principles they proved that day.
The Light Bulb
While many contributed to the invention of electric light, Thomas Edison is credited for creating the first fully functional and commercially viable light bulb in 1879. His system changed how — and when — the world worked, slept, and gathered. It quite literally lit the path to modern life.
Interchangeable Parts
Before mass production, everything was made by hand. Eli Whitney changed that by developing interchangeable parts, a system he proved in the early 1800s with a government contract for 10,000 muskets. The idea paved the way for the assembly line and modern manufacturing as we know it.
Plastic
European chemists made the first plastics, but it was American inventor Charles Goodyear who unlocked their potential. He patented the vulcanization process in 1844, allowing plastics to become durable and commercially viable. Every industry we know today — from packaging to medicine — has been reshaped by plastic.
Moving Pictures
In 1890, William Dickson, an assistant to Thomas Edison, introduced the Kinetograph, one of the first motion picture cameras. By 1892, he’d helped create the Kinetoscope, the world’s first movie projector. Two years later, America began public screenings, launching a storytelling industry that would dominate the globe for more than a century.
If you’re a CNC Programmer or working toward becoming one, you’ve likely heard the name Mastercam. It’s one of the most well-known computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software tools on the market. While there are several CAM platforms available, Mastercam has built a reputation as the industry standard — not necessarily because it’s the best in every category, but because it’s the most widely used.
As of 2020, Mastercam boasted more than 274,000 installed seats in manufacturing. Its closest competitor? Just under 150,000. That kind of market share doesn’t happen by accident.
So how did Mastercam get here? And why is it such a dominant force in the CNC world?
One Tool for Every Machine
One of Mastercam’s biggest advantages is versatility. It can be used to program a broad range of machines, including:
- CNC mills
- Lathes
- Routers
- Mill-turns and multi-axis systems
- Wire EDM
For shops that run multiple machine types, having a universal CAM platform streamlines training, programming, and integration. That flexibility makes it a favorite across industries — from aerospace to automotive to medical devices.
The Leading CAM Package in Education
Mastercam isn’t just dominant on the shop floor. It’s also the number one CAM software used in technical education programs across the country.
As of 2020, there were nearly 143,000 installed seats in schools, compared to fewer than 75,000 for the next closest option. That means most students entering the CNC field are already familiar with Mastercam before they even start their first job.
This early exposure helps fuel its dominance in industry. It also makes Mastercam a smart skill to learn for anyone entering the trade.
A Long History in Manufacturing
Mastercam was founded in 1983, making it one of the first PC-based CAM platforms available to manufacturers. It began as a 2D tool and evolved over time into a full-featured 3D CAD/CAM package.
With nearly four decades of development, Mastercam has had time to fine-tune its features, improve compatibility with CNC equipment, and build a loyal base of users and educators alike.
That kind of longevity builds trust — and trust matters when you’re running million-dollar machines with high-stakes tolerances.
Want to Learn Mastercam?
If you’re serious about becoming a CNC Programmer, Mastercam is a valuable tool to know. You can check with your local trade or technical school for in-person training opportunities. Many programs offer hands-on learning with Mastercam as part of their curriculum.
Prefer to learn at your own pace? Explore Titans of CNC Academy, a free online platform created by Titan Gilroy. It’s an outstanding resource for CAD/CAM and CNC machine training, built for real-world manufacturing needs.
May is the month of flowers. Blooms burst in every color, painting landscapes in bright contrast to April’s gray skies. But here in Minnesota, we’re just as proud of another kind of flour — the kind that helped build an industry and shape a city.
In celebration of the season, we’re looking back at the history of flour milling — from its ancient roots to its peak in the Twin Cities, and where the industry stands today.
First Tools, First Grains
Humans started making tools nearly 250,000 years ago, but those early creations were mostly for hunting and survival. It wasn’t until around 10,000 to 15,000 years ago that we turned our focus to agriculture.
Grain, unlike meat or produce, was easier to store and transport. That made it perfect for trade — and perfect for early cities.
The trick was in the milling.
To make grain digestible, early societies learned to grind it using stones. Even 6,700 years ago, people were milling wheat between stones to remove the bran and germ, leaving the endosperm to become flour.
Early Innovations in Milling
- Ancient Egyptians used saddle stones
- Greeks developed hopper-fed “hourglass mills”
- Romans introduced water power around 100 B.C.
Through the centuries, mills improved by harnessing new sources of energy — from humans and animals to windmills and waterwheels. Sifting systems became more advanced. By the 19th century, mills were adopting gears, belts, and roller systems to move grain faster and produce purer flour.
One key figure in this shift was American inventor Oliver Evans, who designed the first continuous milling system. His work introduced bucket elevators, screw conveyors, and sifters into a single seamless process — the first real automation of its kind.
Milling Moves to the Midwest
As the U.S. expanded westward, so did its agricultural and industrial base. With new rail lines, barge access, and cheap land for growing wheat, the center of U.S. flour production migrated west.
By the late 1800s, Minneapolis had all the ingredients to become the new flour capital:
- Proximity to wheat-growing regions
- Reliable river power
- Rapid rail expansion
- A workforce hungry for opportunity
At the same time, a “New Process” of milling was changing the game. It used Canadian hard wheat, milled slowly between wider-spaced stones, to produce better flour more efficiently.
Edmund La Croix and the Minnesota Advantage
One of the biggest breakthroughs in modern milling came from Minnesotan Edmund La Croix, who invented the middlings purifier in 1865.
His innovation separated the finest parts of the wheat more effectively, dramatically improving flour quality. It helped Minneapolis mills produce flour that could compete with — and beat — European brands in quality.
By 1870, the average mill could extract 72% flour from grain, compared to just 28% in millfeed. Milling had officially become one of the first fully automated industries.
The Rise of the “Mill City”
By 1880, Minneapolis had overtaken St. Louis as the nation’s top flour producer. In that year alone, the city produced 2 million barrels. By 1910, that number had climbed to 15.4 million barrels, earning Minneapolis the title “Flour-Milling Capital of the World.”
World War I drove even more demand. In 1916, Minneapolis mills produced 18.5 million barrels, more than 20% of all U.S. flour.
Three companies dominated:
- Washburn-Crosby (Gold Medal Flour)
- Pillsbury
- Northwestern Consolidated Milling
Pillsbury’s “A” Mill was the largest in the world, producing 12,000 barrels per day.
By 1928, Washburn-Crosby had become General Mills, and in 2001, it acquired Pillsbury — uniting Minnesota’s two biggest flour producers under one roof.
Flour Today: Global Competition, Local Legacy
While Minneapolis is no longer the flour capital, its influence remains. The ruins of the original Washburn Mill, destroyed in an explosion in 1878, still stand today near the Mill City Museum, complete with the iconic Gold Medal Flour sign.
Globally, countries like China, India, and Russia now lead wheat production. The U.S. ranks fourth in milled flour exports, behind Turkey, Kazakhstan, and Germany.
Want More?
If this article gave you something to chew on, check out our post on how fireworks are made. Or watch this video to see modern flour production in action.
Got a question about how something is made? Send it to the FlexTrades Writing Team and we’ll cover it in a future blog.
In our house, May the 4th isn’t just another day — it’s an unofficial holiday. We celebrate it every year with full enthusiasm, and if you’re a Star Wars fan, you probably do too.
Whether you lean Jedi or Sith, we hope you take a moment today to suit up in something galactic — a well-worn tee, a cozy Chewbacca robe, some Leia buns, or maybe even a full-on Jar Jar Binks mask (if you dare).
The Force runs strong with us — and so do the lessons from a galaxy far, far away.
Workplace Wisdom from the Star Wars Universe
Believe it or not, the Star Wars saga isn’t just about lightsabers and droids. It’s packed with wisdom that feels surprisingly relevant to our everyday work here at FlexTrades.
Here are a few of our favorite quotes and how they show up on the job:
“The greatest teacher, failure is.” – Yoda
Even when a project doesn’t go as planned, there’s always something to learn. That’s how great technicians grow.
“You’re going to find that many of the truths we cling to depend greatly on our own point of view.” – Obi-Wan Kenobi
Perspective matters. On the road or in the shop, staying open to different ideas often leads to the best outcomes.
“Remember, concentrate on the moment. Feel – don’t think. Use your instincts.” – Qui-Gon Jinn
Good tradespeople trust their training and stay present. That instinct — backed by experience — often makes the difference.
“Compassion, which I would define as unconditional love, is essential to a Jedi’s life. So, you might say that we are encouraged to love.” – Anakin Skywalker
Caring about your work, your coworkers, and your community isn’t weakness. It’s strength.
Share Your Star Wars Spirit
We want to see how you’re celebrating May the 4th Be With You! Whether you’re repping the light side or the dark side, show us your look.
Post your pictures on our Facebook page and tag us. Bonus points for matching family outfits, themed snacks, or a solid Wookiee impression.
And Until Next Time…
Whether you’re flying solo or working as a team, May the Force be with you — today and every day.
Work/life balance matters — we’ve even hosted a webinar about it. But for those who travel for work, especially in the skilled trades, striking that balance isn’t always easy. Some of our FlexTrades technicians are on the road for weeks or even months at a time. That level of travel comes with real challenges, especially for anyone with kids, families, or responsibilities waiting back home.
So how do you make it work?
We asked our most experienced traveling professionals, and here’s what they had to say. Whether you’re new to the road or a seasoned road warrior, these tips can help you find your own version of balance.
Before the Project: Set the Stage
Communicate Clearly
- Talk with your project manager about job expectations, timelines, and challenges
- Keep your family informed about your location, schedule, and availability
- Be proactive about updates. If your flight gets delayed, let people know — don’t leave them wondering
Use a Calendar
- Request time off early for important dates like weddings, graduations, or concerts
- Even if you can’t attend an event in person, you can still follow up and ask about it
- Put family milestones on your calendar so you don’t forget to check in
Plan for Home Coverage
- Who handles emergencies while you’re gone?
- Who’s feeding the dog, checking the mail, or watering the garden?
- Plan ahead and have a backup for every critical task
During the Project: Stay Connected
Use Technology to Your Advantage
FaceTime. Zoom. Snapchat. Whatever the platform, use it.
A nightly call still goes a long way, but real-time updates, shared photos, and group messages can make miles feel shorter.
One FlexTrades technician said his family stays connected through a shared Snapchat group with his four daughters. “It lets me stay involved on their schedule, not just mine.”
Stay Involved from Afar
- Ask your spouse or friend to livestream a game or concert
- Use apps like Zoom or Houseparty for family game nights
- Help with homework, celebrate wins, or just chat — even from a hotel room
Share the Trip
Send a photo of something interesting. Buy a souvenir. Bring back something small — a shell, a postcard, even hotel shampoo. These tokens remind your loved ones that they’re still part of your journey.
Some FlexTrades techs even have family or friends visit during longer assignments. It’s a great way to make the job feel more like home — even for a weekend.
After the Project: Reconnect and Reflect
Debrief and Improve
- Spend your first night back simply reconnecting
- The next night, talk through what worked and what didn’t
- Make a plan for how you’ll handle things better next time
Write it down so it doesn’t get forgotten in the rush of the next trip.
Use Your Perks
You’ve earned rewards — use them.
- Got hotel or airline points? Book a trip with your family
- Have extra gear or swag from a project? Bring it home for your kids
When the benefits of your travel are shared, the time away gets a little easier to accept.
Embrace Imbalance
There’s no such thing as a perfect 50/50 balance between work and life.
As one of our technicians said:
“Ninety days on the road and thirty days at home might seem out of balance, but when I’m home, I’m 100% there. I take the kids to school. I volunteer. I do projects. I make that time count.”
Sometimes balance isn’t about the day or the week. It’s about the season. What matters most is being intentional with the time you have — wherever you are.
Want More?
If this helped you think about work/life balance differently, check out our Road Warrior Webinar to learn more about what life is really like as a traveling technician with FlexTrades.
Still have questions? Or maybe you have a blog idea you want us to cover? Send your thoughts to the FlexTrades Writing Team — we’d love to hear from you.
April is the month of showers — we all know they bring May flowers. But have you ever thought about the showers that keep us smelling fresh all year round?
Roughly two out of three Americans shower every day. But it hasn’t always been that way.
The history of the modern shower is long, winding, and surprisingly global. From waterfalls to water heaters, here’s how we got here.
From Rivers to Rome: The Origins of Showering
Early humans cleaned themselves in streams, waterfalls, rain, and any natural water source they could find. As communities formed, the systems evolved.
- The ancient Egyptians created ceramic jugs to mimic the feel of cascading water
- The Greeks developed piping systems to move water where it was needed
- The Romans brought the concept of hygiene to the masses, building public bathhouses across their empire
When Rome fell, the infrastructure crumbled with it. Medieval Europe lost access to Roman engineering, and the public bathhouse culture disappeared in many places.
Despite popular belief, hygiene didn’t vanish during the Dark Ages — but the systems that supported it did.
The Invention of the Shower
Fast forward to the 18th century, when interest in personal hygiene came back into focus. In 1767, William Feetham, a London stove maker, patented what is recognized as the first modern shower.
It wasn’t perfect.
- It pumped cold water to a basin overhead
- It dumped reused water on the user’s head
- It wasn’t exactly refreshing
But it was a start.
By 1810, inventors added heated water. By 1850, modern plumbing was back in action — solving the whole “recycled water” issue and setting the stage for what we now recognize as a real shower.
Showers Gain Popularity
Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, showers grew in popularity, especially in England and the U.S. But the bathtub still reigned supreme until the 1980s, when showers took over as the go-to option in most households.
That’s when the customization boom began. Shower heads, body jets, built-in lighting — all became part of a new era in home design. The growth hasn’t stopped since.
The Shower Industry Today
The global market for bath and shower products is now worth nearly $50 billion a year.
It’s driven by more than just hygiene. Today’s consumers care about:
- Efficiency – modern showerheads use significantly less water than bathtubs
- Sustainability – water-saving technologies and eco-conscious materials
- Experience – from rainfall heads to digital temperature control
In fact, a 10-minute shower today can use up to four times less water than a typical bath. That means getting clean doesn’t have to mean wasting water.
Curious for More?
If this kind of thing interests you, check out our post on the history of foundries to see how another everyday process evolved. Or, for something a little more modern, watch this video on how showerheads and hoses are mass-produced today.
And remember, the next time a question hits you in the shower, we’d love to help answer it. Send your ideas to writingteam@flextrades.com and we just might feature it in a future blog.
The future of manufacturing is being built by automation. That future is already here — it’s called Industry 4.0 — and it’s driven by robotics, PLCs, and CNC technology.
If you’re already in the machining trade or want to break into it, transitioning from CNC Operator or CNC Machinist to CNC Programmer is one of the smartest moves you can make. And the best place to start? School.
Why CNC Programming Is the Next Step
A CNC Programmer is the person behind the code that tells machines how to move, cut, and shape parts. The job requires a solid understanding of materials, machine operations, tooling, and software. It’s high-skill work, and demand is growing across every sector of U.S. manufacturing.
So if you’re committed to becoming a CNC Programmer, start by enrolling in a technical college or trade school that offers a certificate, diploma, or associate degree in CNC Programming.
Here’s what to consider as you explore your options.
How to Choose the Right CNC Program
1. Look for NIMS Accreditation
The National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) is the gold standard in CNC training. Schools with NIMS-accredited programs follow a curriculum that aligns with current industry needs — which means you’ll graduate ready to work.
NIMS also offers CNC Programmer Certification, which can boost your résumé and credibility on day one.
2. Check for Hands-On Training and Software Access
Quality CNC programs give you access to:
- Modern machine tools
- Industry-standard software
- Real-world shop environments
If your school teaches Mastercam, you’re in good shape. It’s one of the most widely used CNC programming platforms in the industry, and it’s what many employers expect their programmers to know.
3. Weigh the Length of the Program
Your time matters. Here’s a breakdown of typical options:
- Certificate – fastest path, focused curriculum
- Diploma – adds more coursework and training hours
- Associate Degree – two-year commitment, broader education
Choose the one that fits your schedule, goals, and learning style.
4. Understand the Cost and Value
Cost varies widely by program and location. Make sure you’re getting real value in return — up-to-date equipment, experienced instructors, and job placement support.
And don’t forget to ask about financial aid, scholarships, or employer-sponsored reimbursement options.
5. Choose a Location That Works for You
Some programs are fully in-person. Others offer online or hybrid options. Choose the format that gives you the best shot at success.
Whether you’re balancing work and family or starting fresh, the right location and learning style make a big difference.
FlexTrades Can Help Pay for Training
Already working in the trades? FlexTrades offers a training reimbursement program for our technicians. You can receive up to $2,000 toward approved courses that build your trade knowledge and boost your career.
It’s one of the ways we invest in your future — because when you grow, we all win.
