Episode
From Engineering Lab to 5-Axis Shop: How Two Founders Under 30 Built Three Rivers Precision, 514
- Published
- Mar 23, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 3851
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Summary
They started a machine shop before turning 30… and doubled their projections in year one. In this episode of MakingChips Generation CNC, we sit down with Sean and Sinjon of Three Rivers Precision to hear how two mechanical engineers turned hands-on curiosity into a high-end machining business focused on five-axis work, titanium, and complex parts. What began in a university machine shop quickly evolved into five years of learning inside a young manufacturing company, where they gained experience across programming, estimating, project management, and customer communication. When that company shifted direction, they made the leap. They mapped out their financial runway, secured startup funding, built out an empty facility, and launched with a clear strategy: focus on difficult materials, deliver fast, and build relationships by exceeding expectations. The result? A fully booked shop, automation plans, and growth without rushing to hire. Sean and Sinjon also share how they structured a 50/50 partnership, why they're prioritizing lights-out machining over headcount, their philosophy on paying skilled machinists well, and the mindset that helped them go all-in and build a modern machine shop from day one. From funding and partnerships to five-axis strategy and customer acquisition, this episode offers a candid look at how the next generation of manufacturing leaders is building modern machine shops from day one. Segments (0:00) Introduction to Sean and Sinjon from Three Rivers Precision and their growth journey (2:21) Meeting at the University of Pittsburgh and early exposure to machining (9:04) Why Sean and Sinjon decided to launch Three Rivers Precision (15:15) Paperless Parts and secure AI-powered quoting for manufacturers (16:27) The emotional and financial risk of lea…