Pick and choose business opportunities
As a machine shop owner, you can't attend every trade show or event and that's OK.
Author
Keith Jennings
Keith Jennings is president of Crow Corp., Tomball, Texas, a family-owned company focusing on machining, metal fabrication and metal stamping.
Manager's Desk Columnist
When the team has your back
Employees who professionally represented the company are an asset to your business.
Friends, employees don’t mix
As a machine shop owner or manager, it's wise to stay out of the personal lives of employees.
Make a name for your company with community involvement
You can't say yes to every request but volunteering your time can be good for business.
Keeping the family together
Keith Jennings reflects on the for better or worse nature of family businesses.
Reading still an important business practice
Electronic communications can be overwhelming, but taking the time to read them is a must.
Market your shop through the slow down
Manager's Desk: The time to sell your operation like never before is when things slow down and new work is a must.
Managing from a distance
Manager's Desk: Machine shops are often small businesses where balancing the professional and personal can be difficult.
A quality assurance audit has benefits
Manager's Desk: Although stressful, auditing for quality, health and safety can make a company better
Leverage relationships outside the shop
Manager's Desk: Networking can offer relief from the manufacturing grind and the blinders it can create.
Observant eyes and ears can keep problems in check
Keith Jennings knows that even the hardest working shop manager can miss things.
Cheap versus experienced workers
Manager's Desk: Don't assume that experienced, well-paid employees will cost you more money in the long run.