Machine Shop Mastery

47. Big Vision = Big Success in the Space Industry with Nathan Bourgeois from Oroborous Space & Defense Nathan Bourgeois is the founder and owner of Oroborous Space & Defense. Nate has an incredible story of success, founded from an audacious goal of building the best hardware that goes into space. That goal has driven him and propelled his company into a high-growth and profitable position, serving the who’s-who of the commercial space industry. You can’t miss this very inspiring and compelling story about why vision and mission is so critical to the success of a company. About Oroborous Space & Defense: Ouroboros Space and Defense specializes in multi-axis and mill-turn manufacturing solutions for complex, tight tolerance, and flight critical hardware. Follow Nathan and Ouroboros on social media: Company LI: /ouroboros-space-and-defense Personal LI: /nathan-bourgeois-058219133

46. Defense Industry Success with Derek Kowalski from LOC Industries Derek Kowalski was the second employee of LOC Industries when he was hired at the age of 19. He’s now the VP and co-owner of the shop that specializes in complex manufactured assemblies for the defense industry. Derek shares his story, which parallels the growth of LOC which focused on doing work directly for the DLA and the government as their main strategy when they started. They now serve the who’s-who of defense prime contractors with a wide variety of manufacturing processes from machining, sheet metal, composites, plastics forming, injection molding, and more. It’s a great and inspiring story of success, so enjoy the conversation with Derek! About LOC Industries: LOC Industries was founded in 2009 to become a top provider of aerospace structures to various OEM's and the US Military. They are a small business that focuses on providing our customers with the highest quality parts as quickly as possible. These products can be seen on various aircraft, from the C-5 Galaxy and the B-52 Bomber; to the UH-60 Blackhawk and the AH-64 Apache. Follow Derek and LOC Industries on social media: Personal LI: /derek-kowalski-3b384b13b Company LI: /loc-industries-inc Website: www.locindustries.com

45. Process & Team for the Win with Mike Brown from Computer Integrated Machining Mike Brown is the CEO of Computer Integrated Machining in San Diego and Tempe. They specialize in complex, multi-axis part and assemblies for the aerospace and defense industry - especially from hard metals. Mike shares his journey, lessons learned, and his approach to growing a thriving, profitable business that supports his Porsche racecar habits. From the importance of building written processes, and empowering your team, to building relationships with key vendors and customers, Mike candidly shares the recipe for his success at CIM. About Computer Integrated Machining: CIM encompasses the expertise to facilitate and deliver to our customers some of the most difficult and technical challenges in CNC Milling, CNC Turning, Additive Manufacturing, EDM Processing, Welding, Water Cutting and Component Sub-Assembly, while also providing experienced Engineering & Design support on your Products. Follow Michael and Computer Integrated Machining on social media: Personal LI: /michaelbrowncimsd Company LI: /computer-integrated-machining Website: www.cimsd.com

44. Standardizing a Shop to Huge Success with Robert Smith from Smith & Company Robert Smith is the Founder and CEO of Smith and Company, a new machine shop founded out of the principles and best practices that Robert learned over 30+ years growing the family-run machine shop, Smith's Machine, his father started in the 70s. They found huge success by building robust standardization and processes for consistently reliable performance as they grew the company from doing repair work to being a world-class supplier to the Defense and Space industry. Those principles led to great success at Smith's Machine and are now serving him very well at Smith and Company. Robert's talent as a storyteller and company operator comes through loud and clear in this very engaging conversation about building world-class precision machining companies. About Smith & Company: Smith and Company, LLC is a precision machining and manufacturing company in Birmingham, Alabama. Our goal is to provide our customers with deliverables that exceed their typical quality, delivery, and cost expectations. Innovative thinking, a can-do attitude, and eighty-plus years of experience enable us to create a partnership that customers appreciate. Their team is equipped with the latest precision 5-axis milling centers from Hermle. Additive manufacturing platforms from Markforged enable 3D printing with metal and composite materials. They produce precision components, assemblies, and value-added services that are used in a variety of industries. Follow Robert and Smith & Company on social media: Personal LI: /robert-smithandcompanybhmal Company LI: /company/smith-and-company-llc Website: www.smith-al.com IG: @smithandco.bham

Have you ever thought about what it takes to make the leap from employee to employer in the machining world?

In this episode of Machine Shop Mastery, I’m joined by Adam Zimmer, the founder of Zimmer Design & Manufacturing. Adam’s journey is a remarkable one—he went from working as a tool and die maker to owning and growing his own successful machine shop in just three years. What started as a one-person shop is now an operation with 11 employees, nine machines, and three shifts running.

In our conversation, Adam reveals how he made this transition, from learning the ropes as an employee to becoming an employer and leader. Adam explains how he built a company culture based on trust and autonomy, while networking and community involvement played a key role in his success.

He also highlights how strategic investments in technology, such as ERP systems and automation, have fueled his rapid growth. Adam also talks about the value of working with a business coach to refine his management and financial strategies.

If you're considering making the jump from employee to employer, or simply looking for ways to scale your own machine shop, Adam’s insights into hiring, process optimization, and leadership are sure to inspire you. This episode offers practical lessons from a business owner who has experienced it all firsthand.

• (0:00) Adam’s transition from musician to machinist
• (3:53) How Adam started Zimmer Design & Manufacturing
• (7:06) Diving in and acquiring a business and customers
• (11:21) The importance of networking to grow your customer base
• (13:31) Building a company culture based on trust and autonomy
• (16:01) Delegation and leadership: Adam’s approach
• (18:25) Using technology and automation to scale the business
• (20:57) How Adam finds and hires the right people
• (26:21) Why you need to check out Buy the Numbers
• (28:14) How Adam builds trust with his team
• (35:41) Overcoming challenges in the early stages of growth
• (42:58) Adam’s strategic moves and biggest wins
• (45:37) Advice for new shop owners or those looking to scale their business
• (49:40) Why Adam decided to hire a business coach

• Zimmer Design & Manufacturing Store
• Adam on Manufacturing Transformed
• DiSC® Profile
• ProShop ERP

• Zimmer Design & Manufacturing
• Connect with Adam on LinkedIn

• The website
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• Instagram

Subscribe to Machine Shop Mastery on

Apple, Spotify

Audio Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK