When you’re evaluating a manufacturing partner, there’s a long checklist to consider, from precision machining capabilities to certifications to quality control systems. These criteria often appear in audits or new customer interviews, and we’re proud to meet stringent requirements in all of these areas.
But once the boxes are checked how do you evaluate what can’t be captured in a spreadsheet?
For example: In an industry facing an aging workforce and growing concerns about succession planning, how can you trust that your partner is built to last and positioned to keep improving?
At Focused on Machining, we believe future-readiness is just as important as technical precision. By embracing evolution in all areas of our operations, we help our customers achieve greater efficiency, lower costs, and optimize their project timelines. And not just for the short term.
So how do we keep hitting today’s targets—while preparing for tomorrow’s challenges?
Staying Connected: NTMA and Industry Involvement
Our owner, Justin Quinn, has long been a passionate advocate for the value of NTMA—he served as treasurer in the local Rocky Mountain Tooling & Machining Association (RMTMA) prior to owning Focused on Machining, helping manufacturers better understand their banking options.
Since acquiring FOM, his involvement has only deepened. Justin served as RMTMA president for three years, and now acts as vice president and trustee. These leadership roles keep him closely attuned to the latest manufacturing trends, from machining best practices to operational strategies. His industry involvement ensures he stays immersed in the innovations shaping the manufacturing landscape—and brings those insights back to our shop floor to benefit both customers and employees.
Through NTMA, Justin also gains national-level insights into policy decisions and legislation that shape our industry. Their expert guidance on tariffs, tax incentives like Section 179 depreciation, and R&D credits directly impact our shop’s economics—and by extension, the pricing and options we can offer our customers.
Our CMMC certification efforts have been directly influenced by NTMA. While others have had to be reactive, NTMA informed us of the importance of CMMC early on, allowing us to plan and adjust well in advance. While many shops haven’t even begun the process, not yet understanding the long road ahead of them. This type of forward-thinking preparation gives our company and our customers a real edge.
Always Learning: Tradeshows and Industry Events
We invest heavily in staying up to date with new technologies. And that means not just researching online, but attending in-person events, as well. As you think about choosing a manufacturing partner, it helps to understand why staying active in the industry matters.
Our team has attended every International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) for the past decade. IMTS is an important business trip, where we can demo technologies firsthand, ask detailed questions, and make smarter investments in our shop’s capabilities.
We also participate in user conferences, such as Paperless Parts’ annual event. These conferences allow us to learn best practices directly from a platform’s creators and swap advice with other shop owners. Fellow users have offered us insight in their custom setups that we can leverage to improve our own usage. That guidance shows up in our fast quoting, smooth operations, and quick part turnaround for our customers.
One Unique Advantage: A Background in Banking and Military
Focused on Machining also benefits from Justin’s uncommon background. After serving in the military working on aircraft, he worked in banking and got his MBA before ultimately purchasing a CNC machine shop.
This combination of technical and financial expertise benefits our customers in unique ways. When we work with defense contractors, for instance, we understand the full lifecycle of a military project, and can offer guidance to help optimize every stage—all the way through CNC production machining.
Or when economists at national NTMA conferences present forecasts of the coming years, Justin’s background in banking allows him to speak their language. He can translate that into real world advice for our customers. If a busy year is coming, we alert customers so they can take advantage of better pricing or plan production ahead of time more strategically.
How Do You Choose a Manufacturing Partner Wisely? Start With the Tangibles - But Don’t Stop There
Some shops might hesitate to take on these “extracurricular” activities—they might see it as taking away from their short-term efficiency. We see it differently.
Investing in knowledge and relationships ensures we stay future-ready, a critical aspect you must consider as you evaluate and select a manufacturing partner. We know our customers want a machine shop that is not only efficient today but will stay with them through tomorrow’s challenges. And that’s why we always keep an eye to the latest trends in our industry.
Request a quote from our Colorado machine shop to partner with a shop that’s built for the long haul!