The manufacturing community thrives on connection, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas. And few people embody that spirit more than Tony Gunn.
Known as the Worldwide Machinist, Tony has traveled to more than 70 countries, bridging industries and spotlighting innovation wherever he goes. Through platforms like the Gunn Show podcast and his work with MTDCNC and TGM Global, Tony has become a global advocate for CNC machining, automation, reshoring, and workforce development. His mission is simple but powerful: to bring people in manufacturing together, share knowledge, and drive the industry forward.
From First Impressions to Lifelong Connections
Tony’s relationship with NTMA began when the association reached out to collaborate. When the timing was right, he attended NTMA’s Emerging Leaders conference, his first exposure to NTMA’s supportive manufacturing community.
Truth be told, Tony had preconceived notions going into the event, thinking he’d be walking into a good ol’ boys’ club of sorts. What he found instead was a diverse group of leaders across different ages, genders, and backgrounds, coming together to share not just their successes but also their hardships. That honesty and the attendees’ willingness to learn from one another really stood out to him.
The Power of In-Person Collaboration
In today’s world of digital networking, Tony still believes nothing beats being in the same room. “While being online, watching videos, and attending Zoom meetings are good, I don’t think anything is better than really spending time in the same room and brainstorming with a bunch of leaders in your industry that are going through the same situations, both ups and downs,” Tony explains.
That’s one of the reasons Tony continues to attend NTMA events. He even served as our keynote speaker at Engage 2024, for which we are extremely grateful. He believes that NTMA’s ability to foster a strong, supportive manufacturing community is one of its greatest strengths.
For shop owners and leaders, whether they’re learning how to run a machine shop or have been in their role for years, this kind of peer-to-peer interaction is invaluable. It’s not just about networking; it’s about sharing strategies, comparing challenges, and finding real solutions, together.
NTMA as a Resource for Today’s Machine Shop
When we spoke with Tony, he was on the road in Dallas visiting a manufacturer who highlighted their long-standing NTMA membership. What stood out most wasn’t just their pride in the partnership, but also their appreciation for NTMA-U, the association’s educational resource.
During talent acquisition challenges and labor shortages, NTMA-U has become a pipeline for skilled workers, particularly for rural communities that are hit the hardest when talent is scarce. It gives companies access to emerging manufacturing professionals who can enter the workforce with the foundational knowledge needed to succeed. That kind of support can make all the difference.
Why Community Matters
At its core, NTMA is about connection.
“If I can support any platform that brings manufacturing companies together, I’m happy to do it,” Tony says. That spirit of collaboration is what keeps the manufacturing community strong. Whether it’s through sharing insights on the latest industry trends or offering machine shop management strategies, NTMA members prove time and again that no one has to go it alone.
As Industry 4.0, automation, and reshoring continue to reshape the industry, leaders like Tony Gunn remind us that the future of manufacturing depends on people as much as technology. Building a stronger manufacturing community means fostering connections and investing in the next generation of machinists. Because in the end, it’s not just about the machines that fill your shop floor; it’s about the people you’re surrounding yourself with.
Not a member of NTMA yet? In Tony’s words, “Give it a try!” Join our trade association to reap the benefits.