85. Buying a Machine Shop for All the Right Reasons - Scott Bruneau from Delaware Metals
Release Date: 08/13/2025
87. People and Technology: Building an Enduring Shop
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When I think about the shops that inspire me most, it’s the ones that balance cutting-edge technology with a deep investment in people. That’s exactly why I loved sitting down with Steve and Eric Van Orden of Paramount Machine in Salt Lake City, Utah. Steve started Paramount back in 1995 with nothing more than a manual mill and a garage shop. Fast forward nearly three decades, and the company has grown into a 75-person operation with more than 30 machines, including palletized horizontals, multi-spindle lathes, and 5-axis mills. What impressed me most, though, wasn’t the...
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86. Using Business to Build People: Sam Thevanayagam’s Model for Manufacturing Leadership
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When I think about inspiring stories of resilience and vision in the world of manufacturing, Sam Thevanayagam’s journey is one that stands out. In this episode of Machine Shop Mastery, I sit down with Sam, the founder of Parts Life Inc. and the leader behind Deval Lifecycle, to unpack his incredible path from Sri Lanka to Philadelphia, from downsizing his home to fund his dream, to acquiring a bankrupt business and transforming it into a thriving, mission-driven company employing nearly 200 people. What struck me most about Sam is not just his sharp business acumen or the bold risks he’s...
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85. Buying a Machine Shop for All the Right Reasons - Scott Bruneau from Delaware Metals
Machine Shop Mastery
What happens when two people with a shared vision for community, craftsmanship, and legacy decide to take the leap into shop ownership? For Scott and his wife, the answer is Delaware Metals. In this inspiring conversation, Scott Bruneau shares how he and his wife purchased a decades-old, well-run machine shop—not as a quick flip, but as a long-term investment in American manufacturing, their team, and their community. With over 20 years in the industry himself, Scott knew the road ahead would be demanding. But armed with a clear “why,” a strong culture-first mindset, and a...
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84. Facing Fears and Building an Emotionally Safe Workplace | Dana Gruber
Machine Shop Mastery
What if the next frontier of manufacturing leadership isn’t on the shop floor—but in the hearts and minds of your people? In this episode of Machine Shop Mastery, Paul sits down with Dana Gruber, third-generation owner and president of ATCO Tool & Manufacturing. Dana didn’t grow up on the machines—she came from a career in cosmetology—but found herself drawn back into the family business with a mission that goes beyond precision parts: Creating an emotionally safe and psychologically aware workplace. From investing in cutting-edge technology like 3D metal printing to redefining...
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83. Crafting Success: Insights from Barry Walter Jr. on Company Culture
Machine Shop Mastery
In this episode of Machine Shop Mastery, I sat down with Barry Walter Jr., and I have to say—this one lit me up. Barry’s a machine shop leader who brings heart, humility, and a whole lot of wisdom to the mic. From rebuilding a multi-generational business to designing a culture where “shit flows uphill” (his words!), Barry has transformed a plumbing parts OEM into an 8-figure, high-mix/low-volume powerhouse with 37 team members, 15 CNC lathes, and a customer service model that makes his buyers the heroes. What struck me most is how intentional Barry is—not just with his machines or...
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82. Belief and Brotherhood with Kelly Denison
Machine Shop Mastery
Every once in a while, I sit down with a guest who reminds me exactly why I started this podcast in the first place. That was the case with Kelly Denison, the second-generation owner of Continental Machine Company in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Kelly is the kind of leader who sees his machine shop not just as a business—but as a vehicle for opportunity, growth, and purpose. In our conversation, we talked about what it means to carry forward a legacy. Kelly’s dad bought the business in 2000, and by 2020, Kelly had earned his way into full ownership—not by entitlement, but by doing...
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81. Perseverance and Processes with Rhys Andersen
Machine Shop Mastery
What would you do if your very first CNC machine didn’t even power on? For most people, that’s where the story would end. But for Rhys Andersen, it was just the beginning. In this episode, I sit down with one of the most determined shop owners I’ve ever interviewed. Rhys is the founder of Method Manufacturing in Austin, Texas — and his journey into precision machining is anything but conventional. From wildland firefighting to architecture school to a series of trial-by-fire business ventures, Rhys took the long road to building a thriving aerospace and defense machine shop. You’ll...
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80. 4x Your Money with Machine Shops with Mike Payne
Machine Shop Mastery
What if you could double—or even quadruple—the value of a machine shop within just 12 months of buying it? For Mike Payne, this isn’t a hypothetical. It’s a repeatable system he’s refined across five acquisitions (and counting). In this episode of Machine Shop Mastery, Mike returns to the mic to break down exactly how he transforms tired shops into thriving, high-value operations—without starting from scratch. Mike walks us through his bolt-on acquisition strategy, sharing how he targets shops with legacy customers, retiring owners, and underutilized assets. But the real...
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79. The BTM Blueprint: Collaboration, Culture, and Growth
Machine Shop Mastery
In this episode of Machine Shop Mastery, I sit down with Kyra Tillman, third-generation owner of BTM Industries. When Kyra returned to the family shop, she inherited more than just machines—she inherited decades of “this is how we’ve always done it.” What she’s done since is nothing short of a transformation. With grit, grace, and a serious knack for finding and using resources, Kyra has turned a quiet, closed-door machine shop into a vibrant, collaborative, culture-driven powerhouse—one where growth and fun coexist, Nerf guns included. We dig deep into how she transitioned...
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78. The Power of Being Mission Driven - Court Durkalski of Truline Industries
Machine Shop Mastery
Most shop owners I talk to are focused on the usual things: keeping the machines humming, staying profitable, maybe planning for growth or succession. But what if the real unlock for your shop wasn’t more tech or tighter margins—but a completely different way of thinking about why your business exists in the first place? That’s what today’s episode is about. I sat down with Court Durkalski, CEO of Truline Industries, and honestly, this conversation hit me harder than most. Court runs a $23 million aerospace machining company with 120 employees—and they give away 10% of...
info_outlineWhat happens when two people with a shared vision for community, craftsmanship, and legacy decide to take the leap into shop ownership? For Scott and his wife, the answer is Delaware Metals.
In this inspiring conversation, Scott Bruneau shares how he and his wife purchased a decades-old, well-run machine shop—not as a quick flip, but as a long-term investment in American manufacturing, their team, and their community.
With over 20 years in the industry himself, Scott knew the road ahead would be demanding. But armed with a clear “why,” a strong culture-first mindset, and a willingness to learn from both successes and mistakes, he’s been steering Delaware Metals into new markets, upgrading capabilities, and building a younger, highly skilled workforce.
We cover everything from the buying process and financing tips, to shop layout improvements, training strategies, and the reality of recruiting in today’s tight labor market. Scott also opens up about the importance of open-book leadership—sharing the numbers, empowering the team, and making sure everyone understands their role in the shop’s growth.
Whether you’re dreaming about buying your first shop, preparing to sell yours, or simply looking for leadership inspiration, Scott’s story is packed with actionable wisdom. This is about buying a machine shop for all the right reasons—and building a business that lasts.
You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
- (0:00) Preserving legacy knowledge after a veteran retires
- (0:21) Register for Top Shops 2025 and get 20% off
- (1:254) Learn about Scott Bruneau and Delaware Metals
- (6:30) Shop snapshot: size, equipment, and niche in small, precise, handheld parts
- (8:35) Relationship with the previous owner, his exit, and the strong foundation they inherited
- (10:02) Certifications, ERP transition, equipment investments, and workflow reorganization
- (11:57) Diversifying the customer base and expanding into aerospace with industry partners
- (15:14) Building a team of subject matter experts and fostering a culture of shared knowledge
- (19:46) Recruiting strategies, lean manufacturing introduction, and reorganization into cells with cross-training
- (25:33) Quality management approach and gaining team buy-in for process improvements
- (30:14) Check out SMW Autoblok’s massive catalog at SMWAutoblok.com
- (31:27) Closing the gap between office and shop floor through visible, hands-on leadership
- (34:21) Lessons from the buying process: financing, due diligence, and structuring the deal
- (40:21) Transparency with the team on costs, profitability, and impact on benefits
- (42:06) Career development through reviews, training opportunities, and goal setting
- (44:59) Biggest challenges: recruiting, assessing technical skills, and hiring for culture fit
- (49:06) Bringing in younger talent, mentorship, and patience in skill development
- (54:17) Real-life example: Software experience versus machining experience
- (56:37) The big decisions that are moving the company forward
- (1:01:16) Future proof your shop by listening to Lights Out
Resources & People Mentioned
Connect with Scott Bruneau
- Delaware Metals
- Connect on LinkedIn
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Audio Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK