Member Minute with The McGinty Machine Co.

The McGinty Machine Company, Inc. was recently honored as a Lockheed Martin Aeronautics 2017 Elite Supplier. The company started building airplane parts seven decades ago and has earned other supplier awards from Lockheed MartinAeronautics. Owner and President Don McGinty shares more information about his company’s achievements, Chamber involvement and the Wichita business environment in today’s Member Minute.

Company background
My dad and uncle started The McGinty Machine Company, Inc., to build parts for war planes and general aviation in the mid-1940s. Since then, McGinty Machine has delivered quality precision-machined parts and customer service to the Wichita community and beyond. We offer both blue streak (or expedited) and long-term production, including sheet metal and small, benchtop assembly. We believe in quality, customer service and working as a team with our customers, so they can be the very best at what they do.

Describe your business’ most recent success.
Most recently, we were honored as a 2017 Elite Supplier from Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. Only 23 suppliers, representing the top two percent of Lockheed Martin’s suppliers, earned this based on at least 98 percent quality, 98 percent delivery and a $1 million contract value. We had 100 percent quality and delivery.

What differentiates your business from your competitors?
– Reliability – Our customers know they can count on us.
– Longevity – They know we will be with them year after year as we have been for the past 70+ years.
– Experience – We have more than 30 years’ experience at the lead and throughout our company.
– Innovation – We are always looking to improve our processes to provide quality work for our customers.
– Quality – Quality is number one for our company.

To what do you attribute your success?
This is a second-generation business, and we’ve survived because of the foundation my father and mother left. I also attribute our success to our team. Without them, we wouldn’t be where we are today.

What is something people may not know about you or your business?
Most people don’t realize the technology involved in manufacturing and how quickly it’s advancing.

Where do you see your business in five years?
Continuing to grow and expand our capabilities with the addition of new technology.

What about your business are you most passionate?
Quality. Customer service. Technology. Innovation.

Is your company involved in any community/civic activities?
Our company supports a variety of community and civic activities, including the Wichita Open (formerly Air Capital Classic), Wichita Aero Club, Wichita Children’s Home, and many others. Our employees are active with a number of organizations, and as a company, we try to support those as best as we can. Personally, I am involved with the Chamber’s Government Relations Committee and on the Wichita Aero Club board.

THE CHAMBER
Why did you join the Chamber and what do you think will be most valuable about Chamber membership?
I joined the Chamber to be more involved and to stay in touch with our decision makers. I’ve developed connections throughout the community and especially like serving on the Government Relations Committee.

What is your favorite Chamber event, program, or service and why?
I enjoy the government relations events the most because of the opportunity to talk with and hear directly from decision makers. I also enjoy the opportunity to meet other business leaders at various awards and roundtable events.

On a scale of 1 to 10, how strongly would you recommend Chamber membership to a colleague? Why?
10. The connections are invaluable no matter what stage of life or business you are in.

SMALL BUSINESS
What is your biggest challenge as a small business?
There are many challenging factors in running a small business. The labor force is one of those factors. Recruiting the talent needed to succeed can be a challenge as a small business.

What’s the best thing about being a small business?
Being your own boss is both stressful and rewarding. It allows you to grow something for your family and the people working for you.

What’s your best piece of advice for new small business owners?
Don’t be afraid to try and fail. This is how you gain experience in your industry. If one thing isn’t working, change it. Keep trying until you get to where you want to be.

Something you wish you’d known before you started your business?
I wish I’d had a better understanding of the market’s up and down trends. It’s important to understand this, so you can prepare and protect your business. Also, keeping your debt service at a minimal to not overextend yourself or your business is important to know.

WICHITA BUSINESS COMMUNITY
Why do you like doing business in the Wichita area?
There is no better place to live or do business than Wichita. I grew up here. I enjoy the people, the community, and the ease of getting around.

[Original article published on May 22, 2018 here.]