Started my shop with $20K and now I have 15 CNC Machines

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  • Опубликовано: 5 окт 2024
  • We built our own CNC Machine Shop and named it Loper Machine. Alex Loper and his wife Courtney Loper reveal the journey to opening their own CNC Machine shop.
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Комментарии • 68

  • @Tbyt2020
    @Tbyt2020 9 месяцев назад +41

    Titan, you changed the game. Hearing this guy saying he messages you asking about speeds and feeds and you’re helping him out.
    There aren’t many people like you in the world.
    Keep it up

    • @TITANSofCNC
      @TITANSofCNC  9 месяцев назад +7

      Thanks Brother… I love it. I know and work with machinists all over the world. So Cool.

  • @SamCyanide
    @SamCyanide 9 месяцев назад +44

    As a machine shop owner, I'm not really interested in the production contracts. I like to help with prototyping. Sure maybe it pays less, but it's a hell of a lot more interesting than making 2,000 brackets with two holes drilled in them

    • @MR-backup
      @MR-backup 9 месяцев назад +2

      This comment .

    • @cgpmachining
      @cgpmachining 9 месяцев назад +8

      Yeah, I started out making plastic injection molds and jigs and fixtures for production, all on manual machines. While this is definitely my first love the older I get the more I just like to make money, and doing production is by far the easiest way to do it in machining. I am also a big believer in making your own parts vs contract machining.

    • @SamCyanide
      @SamCyanide 9 месяцев назад +3

      @@cgpmachining yep. My shops primary purpose is for my own inventions, so I have a lot of capabilities that some other shops might not, in terms of the breadth of my machines. I have everything from lasers and plasma cutters to the big mill, surface grinding equipment, lathe, and a lot of small random stuff. It's all about being able to do as much stuff as possible in house so I can work very rapidly in small quantities, and then if they work out I can refine it and send it out for production.
      Most of the time when I'm doing client work it's just for the sake of helping someone out because I will do a small job for a reasonable price because all the other shops in my area don't like the small jobs so they charge way too much for them or say they won't do it at all. It definitely helps with building connections. I'm in a good position though where I have several sources of income so I don't need to charge a ton for the guy who just needs a bracket made up quick

    • @BowhunterMinnesota
      @BowhunterMinnesota 9 месяцев назад +3

      As a product developer we appreciate you! FEW are willing to devote resources to prototyping. Especially with injection molding.

  • @JohnnyAFG81
    @JohnnyAFG81 9 месяцев назад +33

    Taking the plunge into CNC shop ownership is scary, I hope he has tremendous success!

    • @alexloper3084
      @alexloper3084 9 месяцев назад +7

      Thank you so much!
      I hope the same for you 💯🚀

    • @meatwad253
      @meatwad253 9 месяцев назад

      @@alexloper3084 You got this.

  • @CPTFiXtion
    @CPTFiXtion 9 месяцев назад +9

    I feel exactly the same way as he did. I'm hoping to start my own small shop soon. 10 years as a professional machinist, I think it's time to take it in my own

  • @jimingole1774
    @jimingole1774 9 месяцев назад +6

    I love hearing the stories of Hard work .

  • @ninjaabcde
    @ninjaabcde 9 месяцев назад +9

    The biggest thing stopping me from doing this in canada is the inability to get land to do this stuff on. We cant even do in our homes cause almost no one owns their house entirely here.

    • @Thr33-Quarters
      @Thr33-Quarters 9 месяцев назад +2

      Almost like there was a reason for 1776, eh?

    • @ninjaabcde
      @ninjaabcde 9 месяцев назад

      @@Thr33-Quarters I'm not sure what you mean

    • @SneakyKittyGameDev
      @SneakyKittyGameDev 8 месяцев назад

      @@Thr33-Quarters Gettin close to round 2

    • @CBRFFan
      @CBRFFan День назад

      Hey i started a CNC shop in Waterloo Ontario from scratch in 2003 and still kicking. Where are you located?

  • @seancollins9745
    @seancollins9745 9 месяцев назад +3

    I got 4, 1 online, 1 coming online and 2 being rebuilt. Day 1 full time, no machine payments

  • @stefanodeberardinis
    @stefanodeberardinis 9 месяцев назад +9

    nice story, but I would have liked a more in-depth video that talked about how to set up a business, talking step by step about what it takes to manage a business plan. Surely every country has its own rules and bureaucracies but in general you know what the steps are to carry out an activity. There are many people who would like to embark on this path but don't know where to start.

    • @alexloper3084
      @alexloper3084 9 месяцев назад

      Hey @stefanodeberardinis, I understand.
      The full podcast we talk more in-depth It wasn’t something we had any idea about either. Our business plan was very simple.
      Find a used machine we could purchase with the money we had.
      Find a location to put the machine.
      Get setup with Xometry and grind hard while we do our best to establish ourselves with other customers.
      We started with a google search.
      “How to start a business in Maryland”
      Registered the business/set up as an LLC, obtained our EIN (tax identification number), and got insurance.

    • @jimster1111
      @jimster1111 9 месяцев назад +2

      agreed. i thought this video was going to be on specifics on how they actually got a machine for 20,000$ or less. found contracts as a small up and coming shop etc. didnt really see anything of substance here.

    • @Thr33-Quarters
      @Thr33-Quarters 9 месяцев назад +1

      ​@@jimster1111 If you're looking for a "get rich quick" channel, you're obviously looking in the wrong place. Just the fact that you would suggest that is laughable, and shows you have absolutely no clue on how the industry operates...

  • @JasbirSingh-xx7me
    @JasbirSingh-xx7me Месяц назад

    Your story is very interesting and inspiring.This should be encouraging to those who want to learn and understand about CNC machines.

  • @markdavis304
    @markdavis304 9 месяцев назад +2

    Another great podcast. Love hearing the success stories of people starting from nothing👏

  • @mattcaesar5781
    @mattcaesar5781 9 месяцев назад +3

    First 5-8 years youll work harder then you ever will when you start a shop. Finding good customers, employees, and equipment without blowing your budget out of the water. Learn how to work on your equipment it will save you $$$$ in the long run and dont be afraid to tell a customer no. I use to get bullied to take jobs at a loss on some jobs from one of my better customers at the time. Dropped him as soon as I could.

  • @MotorJC
    @MotorJC 9 месяцев назад +2

    Another great American innovation success story

  • @andyvan5692
    @andyvan5692 3 месяца назад

    good job man, that's the way, if the boss doesn't care, DON'T care about him!!, it will just lead to disappointment and burnout, for nothing, you HAVE to be yourself, and if thats what you need to do to show the world your 'voice' then GOOD ON YOU.

  • @graycenmashburn3
    @graycenmashburn3 3 месяца назад

    I needed to hear this today. Thanks guys.

  • @danprado3020
    @danprado3020 9 месяцев назад +2

    I love this !

  • @bradmitchell6687
    @bradmitchell6687 Месяц назад

    Did the same. I have a mazak lathe hoping for oil and gas to come back. Either way I'll find work a way to get work in other areas. I really wanna try xometry. It seems your competing world wide instead of keeping work in America.

  • @widowermgtow5777
    @widowermgtow5777 6 месяцев назад

    Starting with 2 Shapeoko 5 Pro 2x4. Simple kitchen items, signs, and wall art. Would like to make around 40 an hour per machine. Any advice welcome.

  • @M.CS1395
    @M.CS1395 9 дней назад

    Hello, Is there any advice on how to get work? We have our own little shop with one 3 axis machine. All the companies that said that would give us jobs stopped replying even though we have done everything to be ready. We have very little in savings. I don't know what else to do and I hate to see my husband so worried. Please give us all the advice you have. Thank you!

  • @graysenfox3600
    @graysenfox3600 9 месяцев назад +7

    How did you crack the code with getting big production contracts?

    • @alexloper3084
      @alexloper3084 9 месяцев назад +11

      We are very fortunate that a larger shop took us under their wings and keeps us busy with production work.
      We established that relationship by our supervisor at a previous shop leaving that shop and going to the shop that gives work.
      Having that work and figuring out how to run it efficiently allowed us to build out a bigger customer base. Most of our customers found us by having longevity in the business. By solving their problems consistently/effectively keeps us as their top suppliers.

    • @MR-backup
      @MR-backup 9 месяцев назад +1

      @@alexloper3084 The Man in the flesh ;)

    • @alexloper3084
      @alexloper3084 9 месяцев назад +2

      @@MR-backup I appreciate you brotha! 👊

    • @helicopterdriver
      @helicopterdriver 9 месяцев назад

      Outbid everybody else and still make money.

  • @diomedenihorimbere2002
    @diomedenihorimbere2002 9 месяцев назад +2

    very nice

  • @miketanner1920
    @miketanner1920 9 месяцев назад +3

    Assume story
    Stand together or fall alone
    God bless
    Just saying 😁👍🏻😁👍🏻😁🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

    • @alexloper3084
      @alexloper3084 9 месяцев назад

      I appreciate you Mike,
      Thanks for the love and wish you the best 💯🚀

  • @norbertlovas1949
    @norbertlovas1949 9 месяцев назад +1

    i love the story. but i should never open a shop. i don't want to get that pressure what an owner got.. i just want to go work, work how they want me to work, get a good pay and just go home when time come. i allways looking for that kind of job. so when you finished a day of work you can just stop thinking about the company, what you have to do etc... just a releive every time when you leave as a worker, but as an owner you have to handle all the pressure, and think allways forward, cause you are responsible not just only you, but your employees too!. It a no for me, but have luck and best for your company!

    • @chrisludston1455
      @chrisludston1455 9 месяцев назад +1

      I understand how you feel. I do emergency calls,, maintenance, for small businesses, gas stations, landlords, etc. I'm at the point where I have to either incorporate, hire more help, or scale down. I have the customers, and it's going 3 fold, fast.. but... taking the responsibility for other workers n families, is a scary thing.
      The one thing I always hear from successful people, is you have 2 choices....
      Work for someone, be happy where your at. Never knowing if you'll be laid off.. (which is ok, if that's all you want out of life)
      Or,
      Take the risk, pay your dues, and build something of you own. Get it to the point where you yourself can take a step back and enjoy life. Knowing that your income will always be there.
      There is nonright answer. .
      Everyone has thier own idea of happiness.
      Just NEVER give up.
      Give 110%, 200%, Intel you get what you want.
      There will always be ups n downs.
      Keep pushing, til u make it yours.
      This story gives me hope.
      I only wish I knew what I wanted when I was younger.
      I never cared. Always made decent money, never planned for the future. I lived a day a time.
      At 52, I try to teach the younger generations the mistakes I made.
      Funny thing.. one song always comes to mind...
      Momma Told Me Not to Come.!!!
      Many elders did try to tell me.
      I wouldn't listen.
      Now, all I can do, is give it my best, never give up, and learn to be happy how I am right now, in this moment. Yet, never stop trying to make things better.

  • @hurkybrother1856
    @hurkybrother1856 9 месяцев назад +3

    Lols. start a shop with a bun in the oven… I did…

  • @rodan2852
    @rodan2852 3 месяца назад

    I could fill up a catalog with product ideas.

  • @nickwilcox3648
    @nickwilcox3648 5 месяцев назад

    My dream is to do exactly this

  • @pvtimberfaller
    @pvtimberfaller 7 месяцев назад +1

    Our shop bled us white and than tanked.

  • @NikhilSingh-g5f
    @NikhilSingh-g5f 9 месяцев назад +1

    I'm Indian ❤❤

  • @heliserrato9579
    @heliserrato9579 9 месяцев назад +4

    This man worked his butt off, blood sweat, and tears. Some Jerk: "God did it." Like, wtf dude.

    • @Thr33-Quarters
      @Thr33-Quarters 9 месяцев назад

      Sounds like Obama.. "You didn't build that" "We built that"

  • @HITTAGAME
    @HITTAGAME 9 месяцев назад

    Everything comes down to diligence are you a lackey in the shop Or are you the ambitious next up and comer I see guys at my shop who haven't got a promotion in years and then guys in shorter time come in and get that higher wage

  • @TheStrouthMeister
    @TheStrouthMeister 9 месяцев назад

    Must be nice just to pop out 20k

    • @empireages241
      @empireages241 9 месяцев назад

      10K from him, 10k from it's partner, heard it in the podcast

    • @TheStrouthMeister
      @TheStrouthMeister 9 месяцев назад

      @@empireages241 must be nice to just flop out 10k and someone else give u 10k.

    • @Lucidbkeo
      @Lucidbkeo 9 месяцев назад +1

      ​@@TheStrouthMeister could always pull a personal loan

    • @TheStrouthMeister
      @TheStrouthMeister 9 месяцев назад

      @@Lucidbkeo nope, won't be approved w/all the current debt plus can't afford another pymt anyway. That's why I said must be nice.

  • @linmal2242
    @linmal2242 9 месяцев назад +16

    Forget the 'God ' nonsense; the effort was obviously yours and fortune favours the brave and prepared. Which you obviously were !

    • @russelltate3703
      @russelltate3703 9 месяцев назад +21

      It's his life and his story. Let him tell it!

    • @TITANSofCNC
      @TITANSofCNC  9 месяцев назад +13

      Exactly

    • @DGH12
      @DGH12 9 месяцев назад +19

      Well when you believe in God , you do not leave him out of anything . HE IS THE ONLY REASON WHY

    • @matthewbarry376
      @matthewbarry376 8 месяцев назад +6

      ​@@TITANSofCNCLots of people have all their ducks in a row and are putting in effort in all the right places and don't succeed. Gotta have the Big Man onside.

    • @johnsutton9939
      @johnsutton9939 3 месяца назад +5

      And who blessed him with those gifts?

  • @justinmeyerr
    @justinmeyerr 9 месяцев назад +3

    lol on "gods path" it has nothing to do with god. everyone gets through adversity.

    • @alexloper3084
      @alexloper3084 9 месяцев назад +4

      If you would have asked me growing up if I believe in God I would have told you yes.
      But it wasn't until my first son was born in 2016 that I started walking the right path/living like it.
      I remember looking as him while he was in the hospital and thinking to myself. There is nothing he could do that I wouldn't forgive. A different love than I had ever experienced. I think that's the kind of love God has for us. So I agree with you we all get through adversity because he makes it possible. When I started walking the right path doors opened, like minded people entered, the shop was born (2017), and I have been given an amazing opportunity to help lift others. I love this trade and everyone in it. I wish you the absolute best brotha 🚀💯

    • @justinmeyerr
      @justinmeyerr 9 месяцев назад +2

      @@alexloper3084 hey if you believe it, it's true. Glad you have peace and purpose.

  • @asianduffmaster2281
    @asianduffmaster2281 11 дней назад

    I am cnc programmer and designer and oprater how to apply this company