As a young man I worked various jobs, but none were really satisfying for me. I realized it was important for me to have a career. It was time to do something that really made an impact and was fun for me.

I like working with my hands and started doing some research about next steps. My new journey led me to my enrollment in the machine trades program at the Lorain County Joint Vocational Services (JVS) center. I’m mechanically inclined and really enjoyed completing the one-year certificate program. Now it was time to apply what I had learned.

The next step was working for Adam’s Automatic. I was very green when I started; I had training but limited experience. Around 2001, my enthusiasm led me back to Lorain County JVS for their four-year apprenticeship program and I became a Certified Journeyman Machinist. During this time, I just kept learning as much as I could on the job.

In 2006, the foreman left the company, so I had a conversation with Ed Bond, the owner at the time, and he decided to bring me into a general manager position. I kept learning and when Ed was ready to retire in 2012, my wife and I bought the company.

It has continued to be an exciting ride! Now I have been reaching out to the local trade schools and high schools to share my story. I think it could help others follow the path to precision machining