Episode 15 - Ian Reel (Part 2) - Classroom to CNC: When Your Side Hustle Becomes Your Empire

From purchasing his first CNC machine with no prior experience to building a successful manufacturing business with 14 machines and 10 employees, Ian shares his journey of calculated risk-taking and growth.• Starting with a small 1,500 square foot facility and expanding to a 14,000 square foot building• Learning the complex world of CNC machining through manufacturer support and networking• Creating systems to replicate knowledge and remove himself from day-to-day operations• Finding significant company growth during 2020 when many businesses struggled• Building a professional network through NTMA to overcome the isolation of entrepreneurship• Developing effective hiring practices through trial and error• Balancing business growth with family life and keeping work stress away from home• Manufacturing's biggest threat: young people not knowing the trade exists