I Quit My Machining Job After 23 Years and Went Solo

What makes someone walk away from 23 years in a big shop to start their own shop? In this episode of the Impractical Machinist Podcast, we sit down with Shawn Brown from SBSOLOCO to hear his incredible story. From growing up around machine shops to building his own dream shop, Shawn shares the highs, lows, and hard lessons he’s learned along the way. Discover how he prepared for the leap, the struggles he faced running his own business, and the strategies that helped him succeed. Topics: Shawn’s Journey into Machining When Is The Right Time to Start a Machine Shop? How To Quote Jobs? Balancing Fast Lead Times, Quality, and Integrity in Machining Machining and Holding Large Flat Plates Whether you’re a machinist, shop owner, or someone dreaming of starting your own business, Shawn’s journey is packed with actionable advice and inspiration.