What happens when a high-performance race shop decides to jump into aerospace and defense manufacturing — and goes all in?
In this episode of Machine Shop Mastery, I sit down with Marty Moran of TKO Precision Machining and TKO Motorsports in Reno, Nevada. What started in 2008 as a motorsports-focused shop building custom race cars and high-end components evolved into a serious aerospace and defense manufacturing operation about eight years ago.
Marty shares how the team leveraged deep motorsports and aerospace experience to enter defense manufacturing, earn AS9100 certification, and build a thriving 15-machine shop. But what stands out most isn't just their growth — it's their culture. Communication is constant. Training is intentional. Hiring is rigorous. And everyone is expected to succeed.
We talk about workforce development, cross-training machinists into race crew roles, the realities of AS9100 compliance, building depth through mentorship, and the painful ERP lesson that ultimately led them to ProShop. Marty also shares why aerospace certification doesn't just open doors — it makes you a better shop.
If you're trying to build a resilient, team-driven shop in today's manufacturing environment, this conversation is packed with insight.
You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
- (0:00) Introducing Marty Moran and the origins of TKO Motorsports
- (2:18) How the business evolved from a race shop into contract machining
- (4:02) Launching TKO Precision Machining as a focused aerospace operation
- (6:05) Current shop size, equipment mix, and aerospace capabilities
- (9:40) How the motorsports division operates alongside contract machining
- (14:35) Integrating machinists into race team operations
- (19:10) Breaking into aerospace and defense manufacturing
- (22:40) Starting with prototype work to build long-term customers
- (25:05) Navigating ITAR and NIST 800-171 compliance
- (29:20) Revenue diversification between motorsports and defense work
- (32:05) Building culture through cross-training and accountability
- (36:10) Hiring philosophy and what TKO looks for in new employees
- (41:20) Peer-driven hiring process and extended evaluation periods
- (45:00) Developing operators into machinists through internal training
- (48:55) Measuring spindle utilization and operational efficiency
- (52:05) Communication rhythm and leadership accessibility
- (54:30) Lessons learned from ERP implementation and systems discipline
- (56:20) Advice for smaller shops on training, retention, and culture
- (58:00) Final reflections on teamwork and what's next for TKO
Resources & People Mentioned
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