Inspiring Conversations with Bradan Eudy of Made In America Manufacturing

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bradan Eudy.

Hi Bradan, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
The roots of Made in America Manufacturing go far back. I always had the mindset of an entrepreneur. Starting lawn mowing companies in my teens, bicycle repair shop in my driveway when I was even younger, mobile mechanic once I could drive. I knew I wanted to build something great. Along the way, I really lost my direction. At around 18 years old I found myself in rough waters. It took me down a long dark path. A path that also carried many lessons that I am thankful for today. I began studying on my own. Teaching myself trigonometry, G-Code and the ins and outs of CNC machines. Knowing I was going to have to work 10x harder with no degree, no help, no skillset. I would have to build it. Hence the name Made in America. It is built around the American dream. The dream that if you work hard enough anything is possible. I began machining in the industry around 20 years old. A few years later I pitched my idea to multiple banks to get a measly $29,000 loan for my first CNC machine. Someone finally gave me a chance and there was no way I was going to let them down.

So, I put my first machine in the garage of my house. I worked a full-time job during the day and worked into the night at my house every day and tirelessly every weekend. Constantly focusing on the future. I finally convinced a buddy to come work in my garage. At last, my first employee. I felt I was on my way. Slowly but surely, I made moves and pushed forward. Sales calls and door knocking looking for the next opportunity, the next job, the next bull I could grab by the horns. Through the industry, I was introduced to Phillip Martinka of Martinka precision. It was the synergy most would hope for. I moved my operation into his facility, and we were off to the races. Two guys that came from nothing trying to keep our heads above water. With more long weekends, working 16 hours and pulling all-nighters than I care to even remember, we slowly grew. Stressfully and painfully, we were making it, we were living the American Dream. After some time passed, we grew to realize I would have to get another space to continue my journey. I then relocated to South Austin. Almost felt as if I were starting over again. New employees, new machines, the hunt for new customers. It finally happened. I landed our first great customer and fought to reel it into my tiny boat of a business.

At this point, I was too far in. The 16-hour days became the norm, but we were growing. Five employees, then eight, then ten. Then I expanded our shop into the next suite over. The purse strings had never been tighter. With no financial backing, all the credit cards were maxed. I was cutting it dangerously close to make payroll. The first big order came in, a chance of a lifetime. I gambled it all. With $873 to my name, I was all in. The anxiety, the worry, the stress……. We pulled it off. Credit cards were paid off, payroll was made. We were on our way to the big leagues. After that Made in America grew like a weed. We moved into our new facility right off the toll road and grew to 40 employees. The best team of folks around this town. We had a team that cared. A team that was excited. Our company’s journey is probably like many others. Riddled with hard times and a lot of learning. We are now one of the largest privately-owned manufacturing companies in the Austin area. And we aren’t done yet…

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The issues we faced were countless. Financial stress to labor shortage, supply chain issues, HR, you name it, we tripped over it. When wearing so many hats you can only do so many things well before you begin to do a lot of things subpar.

We’ve been impressed with Made In America Manufacturing LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We are a custom manufacturing company. We find ways to produce other companies’ products. We specialize in hard-to-machine sometimes almost impossible products and find a way. Not only to find a way, we find solutions that are efficient and profitability. We handle the work most turn away from, most won’t take the risk on. Our brand is built is on hard work and perseverance, trust, and reliability. We make certain, each and every day that our customers and partners know they can count on us to come through on any project they place in our hands.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
I think one of the main things that will help anyone become successful is truly being self-aware. You need to know your strengths and where you add value and more so you need to know your weaknesses. The places where you do not thrive is where you need to get out of your own way. It is hard for people to sink their teeth into the idea that they aren’t great at something.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.madeinamericamfg.com
• Instagram: @bradan_cnc