Machine Shop Efficiency: What’s Working Best?

Breaking the Mold: Challenging Traditional Views on Values in Business

Most shop owners I talk to are focused on the usual things: keeping the machines humming, staying profitable, maybe planning for growth or succession. But what if the real unlock for your shop wasn’t more tech or tighter margins—but a completely different way of thinking about why your business exists in the first place? That’s what today’s episode is about. I sat down with Court Durkalski, CEO of Truline Industries, and honestly, this conversation hit me harder than most. Court runs a $23 million aerospace machining company with 120 employees—and they give away 10% of their gross sales to global charitable causes. Not profits—sales.

That level of generosity is unheard of in manufacturing, and yet their quality metrics, delivery performance, and bottom line are world-class. The kicker? That whole culture came from a very personal place, and a journey that includes addiction, near financial collapse, and walking away from a path to ministry. I wanted to understand how a shop like Truline stays so focused, so precise, and so mission-aligned. And what I found is that none of it is accidental. From hiring practices to equipment decisions to the way they manage customer relationships, everything at Truline is built around this core belief that doing great work and doing good in the world aren’t at odds—they’re actually the same thing.

Precision Machining for a Higher Purpose:

Truline’s Specialty: Jet Fuel Pump Parts and the Demands of Aerospace

Truline Industries specializes in precision machining for the aerospace industry, focusing primarily on jet fuel pump parts. This niche requires a unique blend of technical expertise and unwavering commitment to quality. The tolerances involved are incredibly tight, often in the thousandths of an inch range. The materials used, such as leaded bronze, present their own challenges, demanding specialized machining techniques and equipment.

Technology and Innovation: How CNC Machining Enables Precision and Efficiency

Court Durkalski attributes Truline’s success in this demanding field to their embrace of CNC machining technology. The ability to program intricate designs and achieve consistent, repeatable precision has been essential to meeting the stringent requirements of the aerospace industry. CNC machining has also significantly boosted efficiency, allowing Truline to produce complex parts with greater speed and accuracy.

Beyond Profit: The Meaningful Impact of Truline’s Work

While profitability is important, Truline views their work through a broader lens. Understanding the critical role jet fuel pumps play in aircraft safety and efficiency adds a layer of purpose to their operations. They take pride in knowing that their precision machining contributes to the reliable performance of airplanes, ultimately enhancing the safety and well-being of passengers and crew worldwide.

The Intersection of Values and Business:

Leadership Lessons: Balancing Ego and Submission in a Family Business

Truline’s leadership journey is a testament to the power of evolving perspectives. Court’s initial struggle to balance ego and submission within the family business led to a turning point. He realized that true leadership wasn’t about dominance but about fostering a culture of mutual respect, collaboration, and shared responsibility. This shift in mindset has been instrumental in creating a harmonious and productive work environment.

The Power of Trust: Building Strong Relationships with Customers and Suppliers

Truline’s commitment to transparency and ethical conduct has fostered strong relationships with both customers and suppliers. By prioritizing open communication, honesty, and mutual benefit, they have built a reputation for reliability and integrity. This trust-based approach has become a cornerstone of their success, fostering long-term partnerships and strengthening their position in the market.

Gamestanza’s Take: Can Your Business Be Both Profitable and Purpose-Driven?

Truline Industries demonstrates that a business can be both financially successful and deeply purpose-driven. Their story challenges traditional notions of what success means in the business world, proving that prioritizing values and making a positive impact can go hand in hand with profitability.

Court Durkalski’s journey offers invaluable lessons for business leaders:

• Redefining Success: Move beyond solely focusing on profits and consider the broader impact your business has on the world.

• Embrace Values: Cultivate a strong set of core values that guide your decisions and shape your culture.

• Invest in People: Foster a workplace where employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their best.

• Build Trust: Prioritize transparency and ethical conduct in all your interactions with customers, suppliers, and employees.

By embracing these principles, businesses can create a more fulfilling and sustainable path to success, achieving both financial prosperity and a positive impact on the world.