85. Buying a Machine Shop for All the Right Reasons - Scott Bruneau from Delaware Metals
Release Date: 08/13/2025
92. Are PE Firms Ruining Machining? A New & Better Model for Buying Shops with Mark Hillenburg
Machine Shop Mastery
Over the last decade, I’ve watched private equity surge into the machining world — and I’ve seen firsthand how often the short-term flip-in-five-years strategy ends up hurting shops, people, customers, and entire supply chains. While the capital can help, the incentives often drive decisions that weaken the very businesses PE firms acquire. But every now and then, someone comes along with a model that stops you in your tracks because it actually makes sense for our industry. That someone is Mark Hillenburg, co-founder of Collective Manufacturing Group, a company built on a...
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91. Passion and Excellence Personified with Ty Haguewood
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As a host, I’ve met hundreds of shop owners, but every once in a while, I meet someone whose story stops me in my tracks. Ty Haguewood, General Manager and CFO of Manufacturing Technologies, Inc. (MTI) and Stone Mather Designs (SMD), is one of those people. Ty didn’t grow up in manufacturing—he was a finance professional who took a random tour of a machine shop six years ago and walked out forever changed. What started as curiosity became a calling. Today, Ty helps lead two growing businesses north of Albuquerque, New Mexico—one serving precision aerospace customers and...
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90. Burnout Killed This Machine Shop
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89. Lessons Learned from Buying & Losing a Machine Shop | Mark Heston
Machine Shop Mastery
In this powerful and deeply candid conversation, I sat down with Mark Heston, who first appeared on Episode 51 to share his story of buying and rebuilding an aerospace machine shop specializing in landing-gear components. At that time, the business was on an upward trajectory — improving culture, repricing work, and investing in growth. But behind the scenes, hidden challenges were forming that would ultimately lead to an unexpected and difficult ending. In this follow-up episode, Mark opens up about what happened next—the liquidity crisis, the missteps in financial due diligence, and the...
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88. Learning, Building & Teaching with John Saunders
Machine Shop Mastery
I’ve admired John Saunders for a long time. Most of you probably know him as the force behind the NYC CNC YouTube channel, the Business of Machining podcast, and of course, Saunders Machine Works. John has been creating content, teaching, and inspiring machinists since long before it was “cool” to do so online. In fact, he’s one of the first people I think of when someone says they learned machining from YouTube. When we sat down for this conversation, I wanted to go deeper than the usual “how’d you get started” story. We talked about the real journey of moving from hobbyist to...
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87. People and Technology: Building an Enduring Shop
Machine Shop Mastery
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
Machine Shop Mastery
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...
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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