Starting and operating a business can be challenging , especially in a highly regulated industry where safety is a top concern – while dealing with workforce shortages and keeping up with rapidly changing technology . Small machine shops in the Northwest face the additional challenge of building brand awareness and finding work in a competitive space . In this story , we talk to two machine shops , Yakima Machine & Prototype and Marvel Manufacturing Company , as well as aerospace manufacturing expert Garry Hojan of JH Aero , to find out how to compete successfully and build a business .
Yakima Machine & Prototype is coowned by Aaron Collier and Dorian Kensok , a husband-wife team out of Yakima , Washington . They started the business in early 2021 following lengthy careers – Aaron served in the Air Force and spent 20 years in manufacturing with them on C-141 and C-17 cargo planes . He has also worked in personnel and operations management . Dorian has 23-plus years as an art director and graphic designer in her own business , serving Nordstrom , REI , Amazon , and Puget Sound Energy and Tacoma Public Utilities . They aim to do business throughout the Pacific Northwest .
Yakima Machine & Prototype
They said starting a business was natural , as both their parents owned and operated businesses . Dorian said , “ We work well together , and our skills make us better together .”
Garry Hojan of JH Aero has been in the aerospace industry for 25 years and has worked for two commercial airlines , Delta and American . He spent about 17 years leading composite aircraft float company Aerocet of Priest River , Idaho .
10 NORTHWEST AEROSPACE NEWS
Owner | JH Aero — Garry Hojan
Regarding the aerospace industry , he said , “ It is a large industry , and there are many players . It is stable , although it can sometimes get volatile , but it is a growth industry .” He also said it is a good industry from the standpoint of higher-paying jobs and is also a global industry that provides opportunities .