What happens when you trade stability for risk and lead with faith instead of fear? In this episode, Chris sits down with Fritz and John of Rock Run Industries, a father-son duo who turned a garage hobby shop into a thriving sheet metal fabrication powerhouse with over 150 employees and #35 on thefabricator.comās FAB 40 list this year. From bold equipment bets and low turnover to a culture rooted in values over profits, they share the real, raw story behind their 24-year journey.Hit play to hear what it really takes to build a business that people never want to leave.
-------- Ā
55:42
--------
55:42
Scott & Courtney Johnson of Johnson Metal Works
Johnson Metal Works is a specialty subcontractor for structural fabrication, erection, and industrial manufacturing in Bozeman, Montana. In this conversation, husband-and-wife duo Scott and Courtney Johnson walk us through their journey from traditional employment to running their own metal fabrication business ā sharing the risks, rewards, and real-life lessons along the way.They share about the emotional and practical sides of entrepreneurship: planning for growth, managing risk, and navigating the balance between family and business. Scott and Courtney also detail how theyāve scaled Johnson Metal Works, emphasizing team culture, open communication, and maintaining a collaborative environment.Listen in for insights on fostering a strong company culture, fueling sustainable growth, and embracing changeāboth personally and professionally. If youāre looking to grow a fabrication business, their story offers plenty to learn and apply.Learn more about how JMW is āmanufacturing Montanaā at https://www.johnsonmetalworks.com/
-------- Ā
1:16:20
--------
1:16:20
Grady Cope of Reata Engineering & Machine Works, Inc.
How did Grady Cope go from working on oil rigs to running a machine shop? And how did he grow from operating a manual mill and lathe to managing a 25,000 sq. ft. facility filled with advanced CNC machines?
Fulcrum Founder & CEO Sunny Han sits down with Grady to hear the story of how he started and grew Reata Engineering & Machine Worksāand the lessons heās learned along the way.
ā² Find out more about Reata: https://reataeng.com/
ā² Explore Fulcrum: https://fulcrumpro.com
āāā
About Grady:
Grady Cope is the President & CEO at Reata Engineering & Machine Works in Englewood, Colorado. Grady started his career as a mechanic working on offshore oil rigs but found his way into machining through the advice of a friend. He started his shop with a manual mill and lathe in 1993, and grew the shop to become the customer service oriented, tech focused business Reata is today.
Reata is a high-mix, low-volume job shop, specializing in complex parts and assemblies for the medical, aerospace, and semiconductor industries. The combination of multi-axis CNC machines, lights-out capabilities, and digital manufacturing tools allows Reata to offer short lead times to customers.
Grady is an active leader in the manufacturing community, having served as:
- Former Chairman, National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA)
- Former Chairman, Colorado Advanced Manufacturing Association (CAMA)
- Board Member, National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS).
He is passionate about addressing the skilled labor gap by inspiring the next generation of manufacturers. Grady works with local schools and colleges to help students and parents understand the importance and excitement of careers in manufacturing.
-------- Ā
58:56
--------
58:56
Cody Goff of Vilonia Metal Works
Cody Goff is the 3rd-generation owner of Vilonia Metal Works in Vilonia, Arkansas. Vilonia Metal Works specializes in laser cutting, forming, and fabricating for the restaurant industry. Learn more at www.viloniametalworks.com.
-------- Ā
47:13
--------
47:13
Jonathon Friedl of Black Mountain Manufacturing
Black Mountain Manufacturing Founder Jonathon Friedl joins Fulcrum Founder & CEO Sunny Han to share his journey from studying to be a doctor to running an innovative sheet metal fabrication and machine shop in Greeley, Colorado.
Listen in to hear wild tales from welding in the oil industry to figuring out how to sustain a rapidly growing manufacturing startup.
Capacity is where small, vitally important manufacturers finally tell their stories. Hear how small business owners, entrepreneurs, and operations leaders overcome challenges to build amazing manufacturing businesses. Hosted by Fulcrum CEO Sunny Han. Learn more at fulcrumpro.com.
New Zealand