Mike McCown is a 1987 graduate of West Virginia University in Industrial Engineering. He and his wife, Tera, of twenty-five years have two daughters. Elizabeth, recent graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University; Emily, currently attending Wake Forest University. Mike started Industrial Bolting Technologies, Inc. (IBT) in January of 2003. IBT was known as the local leader and supplier for hydraulic torque equipment. As of 2006, the bulk of the hydraulic tools were imported from Asia. In order to expand his business, he knew a quality-designed tool, manufactured in the U.S.A. was essential. In 2008, he hired his first mechanical engineer; he followed by purchasing two CNC machines. The foundation was laid to start designing and manufacturing his own hydraulic torque wrenches. His vision came to fruition in 2013, the first hydraulic torque wrench was manufactured in-house, start to finish. In 2013, he created TorsionX, the brand name of his hydraulic torque tools. IBT is an ISO 9001 accredited manufacturer and ISO 17025 accredited for calibrations. Over the last sixteen years, TorsionX is now a full line CNC Machine Shop with 30+ employees that sells its products both domestically and to over 30 countries worldwide.
SHOW NOTES:
- 3:27 Mike take a minute, fill in some gaps from that brief intro and give us a little behind the curtain look into your company.
- 5:16 What is the essence of TorsionX and the rest of the products you carry?
- 6:02 Can you talk specifically about the hydraulic tools that you manufacture?
- 6:35 How does it feel to be named small business exporter of the year by the WV SBA?
- 7:20 Can you talk a little bit about your experience in international exporting?
- 10:24 What’s it like to have a business where you can employ others and offer internships?
- 11:21 Mike, what is your 30 second pitch for TorsionX?
- 12:48 What is your outlook for WV as far as manufacturing?
- 13:40 What is the thing you’re most excited about right now for your company?
- 15:25 What is something that you learned about yourself through the pandemic?
- 17:01 What is a leadership take away from the pandemic?
- 17:57 What is your best business moment?
- 19:11 What is your worst business moment?
- 20:26 Positively West Virginia Commercial Break
- 20:54 What is the long term vision for IBT and TorsionX?
- 22:26 How do you attract new customers?
- 23:45 What is one of the biggest challenges you face right now?
- 24:23 What is one piece of advice you’d give to young business owners / entrepreneurs?
- 25:13 What is one thing you do every day that contributes to your success?
- 25:34 What is one resource that you use in your company that you just can’t live without?
- 26:08 What is one book or podcast that you would recommend for aspiring entrepreneurs?
- 27:49 Mike, is there anything else you would like our listeners to know about your story or current endeavors?
- 28:22 Mike, what is the best way for folks to get in touch with you?
- 30:05 Outro