Sometimes there is synergy between people that can ’ t be denied . In the case of the ownership of TMF , Inc ., a defense and aerospace machine shop in Poulsbo , Washington , synergy has caused them to work together for most of their careers across several businesses . Chris Wood started the business on the side while working for Model + Instrument Development ( M + IND , later Seattle Systems ). The company had changed their business model and customer base from product development to prosthetics manufacturing , when the Seattle Foot ( prosthetic foot ) was developed . Wood saw an opportunity to continue providing machining services for their product development customers , while working at the manufacturer .
“ I thought , why not call them up to do the work ? I was shopping the jobs out and doing the finished work . My wife Shannon suggested I buy a machine and do it myself ,” Wood said . He and Shannon worked on their projects in the evenings and weekends while working full-time .
When Wood filed for a business license , he didn ’ t have a name in mind . TMF was so named because the first thing that came to mind was “ Too Much Fun ,” hence TMF .
After Wood set up the business , he received a call from David Poggi , his co-worker at Seattle Systems , who said he wanted to work with Wood again . Poggi ’ s family owned Model + Instrument Development and Poggi had stayed on for one year after the sale to Seattle Systems , to assist with the transition . Wood said , “ Sure , just buy a CNC machine , and that ’ s your buy-in .”
One year later , in 2001 , another former co-worker , Eric Potts , called and said , “ I ’ d like to come in on your business .” Wood ’ s answer was the same , “ Buy a machine and throw in with us .” Wood recalled that it was about a $ 35,000 investment to buy the equipment , “ There was risk involved , but it all worked out .”
Woods , Poggi , and Potts were all machinists — the first three at Seattle Systems — and they are passionate about their craft .
TMF officially started in 1992 but was incorporated in 2000 , when Dave joined . By late 2015 , Eric ’ s wife , Anna , had also left her manufacturing position and was camped in their office working on her consulting business . With her business experience , she joined their meetings , gave recommendations , and shared opinions freely . They approached her and asked if she would work for them . She agreed . The management team was then complete .
36 NORTHWEST AEROSPACE NEWS