Taking over a family machine shop is one challenge. Scaling it rapidly while navigating defense-industry cybersecurity requirements is another entirely.
In this episode of Machine Shop Mastery, Paul sits down with Jessica Eckman of Bent River Machine, an Arizona-based factory tooling and automation company that has been building complex equipment since 1978. After Jessica and her husband took over the business in 2021, Bent River experienced explosive growth, landing on the Inc. 5000 list after expanding more than 125% in a single year.
Jessica shares how a combination of long-standing customer relationships, major automation projects, and a surge in demand from companies like Amazon and Sonix pushed the company from a $5 million operation to more than $12 million in revenue almost overnight. With limited time to expand facilities, the team had to rethink planning, outsourcing, subcontractor relationships, and internal logistics to scale quickly without losing control.
Midway through the conversation, we pivot to one of the most pressing topics in defense manufacturing today: CMMC 2.0 certification. Jessica walks through Bent River's year-long journey to achieve Level 2 certification, covering everything from cybersecurity systems and physical security requirements to auditing, consultants, and real-world implementation challenges for manufacturers.
For shops working in the defense supply chain, this episode offers a rare inside look at what it actually takes to become CMMC compliant and why it will soon be unavoidable for much of the industry.
In This Episode:
- (0:00) Introducing Jessica Eckman and Bent River Machine's rapid growth story
- (3:21) The origins of the company and its evolution from a machine shop to full engineering and automation
- (8:05) Jessica and her husband's journey toward eventually taking over the business
- (11:31) Completing the ownership transition and purchasing the company in 2021
- (14:31) Scaling from a $5M shop to a $12M+ company and landing on the Inc. 5000 list
- (20:18) The role of long-term relationships in winning repeat business and large automation contracts
- (22:05) Get a free report of opportunities in your industry at facturmfg.com/factur
- (23:52) Scaling production through subcontractors instead of immediate capital expansion
- (24:54) Lessons learned while outsourcing large volumes of work quickly
- (26:44) Why we created Hire MFG Leaders to help the metalworking nation
- (28:37) Why detailed planning is critical when coordinating internal and outsourced manufacturing
- (31:10) Creating documentation systems and supplier communication tools to avoid costly mistakes
- (34:11) Hiring assemblers, building a team, and workforce development
- (37:40) The process of pursuing CMMC Level 2 certification
- (44:52) Key cybersecurity infrastructure decisions including ERP, servers, and email security
- (47:27) Handling CNC programs, drawings, and CUI within a manufacturing environment
- (49:44) Why you need to come see us at 2026 IMTS
- (57:08) Advice for manufacturers preparing for CMMC certification
- (1:02:57) Where to connect with Jessica and learn more about Bent River Machine
Resources & People Mentioned
Connect with Jessica Eckman
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