Travis loves the challenge of his work , “ It is challenging my communication skills , patience , and intellect and that of those around me .” He likened running a company to physical fitness , “ It ’ s like doing a new workout every day , and you just get stronger and more flexible and coordinated — mentally , relationally , and technically .”
To continue meeting the challenges , he is involved in YPO and Vistage , which are personal boards of directors ’ organizations that help him approach things from a fresh angle and new perspective . “ This network of leaders has been instrumental — sometimes we get too close ( to the issue ), so we help each other in that regard .”
75 percent of their business is for the space industry , with 15 percent in the defense industry . Travis said they do about 10 percent of their work in commercial aviation . They make components and provide complex assemblies . “ We started with lower-level assembly but have continued to increase our success rates on higher-level assemblies ,” Travis noted . They make landing gear , avionics ( bezels and computers for the flight deck ), wing tips , oxygen systems , luggage bins , lavatory parts , windows , engine components , and interiors .
Jake Gardner is VP of operations , and he ’ s been with Jemco for almost 14 years . He earned a degree in business management , but originally thought he would get into a creative career regarding arts and film . With that mindset , he got into manufacturing and “ was able to use his creativity to solve problems .” His position is that Jemco excels in complex , high-mix , high variability work . “ We are always learning something new . We can pivot quickly to new projects and new types of work to solve complex problems ,” like new rocket ships or airplanes , which he said takes creativity .
FEBRUARY | MARCH 2025 ISSUE NO . 43 11