56. From Startup to Industry Leader with John Newman from Athena Manufacturing

56. From Startup to Industry Leader with John Newman from Athena Manufacturing

Author: Paul Van Metre June 19, 2024 Duration: 1:08:58

56. From Startup to Industry Leader with John Newman from Athena Manufacturing

Paul sits down with John Newman from Athena Manufacturing, a 200-person machining and fabrication company in Austin, Texas. John shares his remarkable journey of growing two successful companies in the manufacturing industry. Starting with a small six-person shop in 1995, John and his partner Bill Johnson scaled their first business to 100 employees in just 17 months. After selling the company and briefly retiring, they found themselves back in the industry, building Athena Manufacturing into the thriving business it is today. John delves into the challenges and successes they faced, emphasizing the importance of financial controls, job costing, and building a strong company culture. He also highlights the critical role of continuous learning and workforce development in maintaining a competitive edge. John's enthusiasm and dedication to the industry shines, and he offering valuable lessons for anyone looking to build or grow a machine shop. Don't miss this inspiring conversation filled with practical advice and stories of resilience and innovation!


About Athena Manufacturing:
Athena Manufacturing offers precision machining, precision fabrication, mechanical assembly and mechanical design services. Our customers include prime Tier-1 OEMs in the aerospace & defense, semiconductor equipment, and many other industries.

Follow John and Athena Manufacturing on Social Media:
Personal LI: /john-newman
Company LI: /athenamfg
Website: www.athenamfg.com


Paul Van Metre hosts Machine Shop Mastery, a conversation grounded in the real-world challenges and triumphs of running a precision manufacturing business. This isn't about abstract theory; it's a deep dive into the shop floor, focusing on the practical strategies that turn a technical skill into a sustainable and growing enterprise. Each episode pulls back the curtain on the operational, financial, and personal leadership aspects that define a successful shop, moving beyond the blueprints to talk about building a resilient business. You'll hear candid discussions about navigating client relationships, managing cash flow, investing in the right equipment, and developing a team that can execute complex work. The podcast aims to underscore the critical role these businesses play as community anchors and economic engines, often overlooked in broader industry talks. For current shop owners, the insights offer a path to refine their operations and boost profitability. For aspiring entrepreneurs with a passion for machining, these conversations provide a clear-eyed look at what it truly takes to launch and scale. Tune in for straightforward advice and stories that connect the craft of machining with the art of building a lasting legacy.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

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