In the middle of the economic downturn of 2008, the Armstrongs decided it made sense to quit perfectly good jobs to start a manufacturing company in California. The fact that they had a 2-year-old and a newborn at home made the logic of this idea even more brilliant. Why not start now? The thought was, “If we can do it under these circumstances, we will be in really great shape when the economy comes back.” So, with another business partner and the inspiration of Kathy’s entrepreneurial father, the company started in a garage with an investment of $10K to buy some simple tools, material, and a bit of software to keep track of things.
The tools and material were used to make product, from which machines were purchased once sold. Over time, the business grew, with more machines, products, and customers. Their success came down to creatively making exactly what the customer needed and delivering it when they needed it, without defects.
Fast forward to present day: You’ll find over 50 dedicated and self-motivated employees operating a wide range of processes to keep customers satisfied all across the United States. Kathy and Jon are now the sole owners, operating in two buildings with 35,000 square feet under roof.
The Armstrongs began working together many years earlier, when they had their first college course together in 1997. They both attended Cal State Fullerton to get their MBAs. At that point, they had no idea what would come out of that meeting.
