As a former employee of yours from 03 to 05 that just discovered your channel, it's a real trip to now be able to pic your brain and hear you going deep on life. I wouldn't have pegged you as a someone that would be killing it on TH-cam lol I really enjoyed working for you and your wife. I learned a lot in the time I was there and she was always nothing but nice to everyone. My former boss is my fav channel right now. Weeird. Superb content.
Ave, Its interesting on this video, I didn't expect the overwhelming positive reaction. Some of the ideas I suggest aren't exactly mainstream. For my videos this got more interaction than some that have ten time as many views.
@@EdgePrecision This is because the information that you had provided are both thought provoking and informative. I for one am grateful to be the benefactor of your experience.
As a young person, I find this sort of information invaluable. There really is no other way for someone like me to learn this kind of stuff, other than to listen to those with the experience I lack. It is exceptionally difficult to find someone willing to share their hard-won pearls of wisdom, so if you'd be so kind as to continue to make content like this, I (and others like me, I'm sure) would be extremely thankful.
I had a local college engineering class come to my shop 2 weeks ago. I am one man, like you. I have some nice equipment, and make drag racing parts mainly. Your comments about mindset, money, taxes, and getting work done are almost exactly what I told them. I was just listening to you while I was working on a model. People need to change their mindset about life. Hourly employees are being rewarded for being slow. I have never been payed by the hr in my life, and when your focus is on completing the project no matter what it takes, people will pay you well to do that for them, as you know. Good job on the videos, you have the best content online I've ever seen.
I have always respected and appreciated people that have figured out how to make money without punching a timeclock every day. An 8 hour menial job where you are trying to do your best and are under appreciated is the worst. My Dad always told me that a job was a trap to waste your time so you couldn't work on your own goals and taxes are all your getting ahead money. I have worked that menial job for almost 30 years and have now figured out how to make money without it. Peter is right, work hard and do the best you can and work towards making it on your own.
Considering the sayings "life is a journey", "I'd prerfer die on the hill" etc. it shows people have known this for a long time and yet most ignore it every day either from zero ambition or getting caught in the rat race. It's great there's places online now where you find people who have escaped from this, no matter what age.
I found your channel a few years ago when I worked for an amazing company that was 100% Mazak and we had a nice fleet of integrexs, naturally I was drawn to your content. From time to time I binge watch your videos at random because they're all basically gems packed full of knowledge. Recently, I've been finding your more personal videos such as this one. I'm really glad you took the time to do all of your videos. I agree with so much of your mindset on this trade and how to go about your career. I just personally wanted to thank you for doing your part in helping me make good educated decisions moving forward in my career. Money really doesn't matter if you're doing what you love and provide high quality work, it all ends up panning out at the end.
You are a true champion Peter. Deserving of all the credit the viewers give you on here. I live in Western Australia and always look forward to viewing the videos you upload. Appreciate the time you put aside to make the videos amongst earning a living. Cheers
These are golden nuggets of insight. Definitely, please keep doing it. Don't worry about the lighting, in fact, you don't even need video to cover those subjects. You could do it in form of a podcast. A lot more people can listen to a podcast while commuting or even working than can sit in front of youtube doing nothing else.
"People will to come to you if you do a good job because there are so few people who actually do a good job" That comment had me laughing out loud Peter!
Very good advice Peter! I was listening to this driving with my 26 year old son and you captivated his complete attention. He turned up the radio and we listened to The whole video and was very impressed with this approach. His wife is a 6 year college graduate with the loans and such and he has taken somewhat your same approach as you have. I supported him through the pressure of the high school guidance counselors pressuring everyone that they need to have at least 4 years of college. So far he has a nice house, almost paid for, vehicles paid for ( not new but good) and shows up for work everyday ready to do whatever is at task. Works with me in our machine shop. No advertising always back log of work
Honestly, this might be the most inspiring video to me for a long time and im just halfway through by now. as a young machinist in a small 8 man company i get to know the struggles from another perspective here and really appreciate the inspirational value beeing delivered. overall in the past 2 or so yrs i have been following any content you make and i initially started beeing enthusiastic about the sheer edge precision displayed and came to a state where i am just kind of consumed by the wholesomeness and diversity (in a way) i am waiting to find here any other week. it even brought me to write a comment about it which is a rare condition tbh. thanks for sharing like hundreds of times and greetings from germany. chip on! (can you even say that? :)
I've been a machinist since I was 13 in school, started sweeping the floors, learned all the manual machines then stepped up to the CNC equipment we had. Boss was middle aged german toolmaker by trade, was taught very well, get it done, do it properly, don't muck around. Only 22 now so still know sweet fuck all about life I'm sure, but spooled up my own little agricultural robotics company 3 years ago out of my bedroom. Now we have a team of 7, functional robots and paying customers lined up for our first roll out in 2 weeks time. Boy do machinists have a good view on life, and man do they know their shit. I've learned my most valuable business lessons from old fella's that have been turning bits of metal into different shaped bits of metal their whole life, never meet one slimey, shitty or down machinist. Truly some of the best people out there - your further testament to this. Thank you for breaking the format, sharing knowledge only acquired through life, time and shit happening - good and bad. I still learn things from channels and places like this on the internet like this daily, and I hope to till I die. Thank you edgy p, your work is amazing, in my opinion art. keep it up
Thank you for the video Peter, it's funny i was thinking about my current employment situation this evening, as i do every no and then and after watching your video i realized that i've perhaps gotten stuck in the mindset of chasing the money and that having more of it will improve my situation, when i really should rather be thinking about how i can do the best job possible and make myself as valuable as possible at work. You're certainly right in saying that ppl will come to you if you do a good job and that the money will come to you. I guess over your 40-50 years of working you have seen a lot, so i appreciate that you talk about your expeariences ans give some advice. Keep up the good work👍
Your thinking and opinions are right on the mark. I am about your age and have been a slave to the "system" most of my life. I now regret not breaking away from it years ago and are now trying to change my approach to life. I would like to hear more from you on your way of doing things as I have been gearing up my little workshop since I "retired". I too, believe in just doing the best you can always. You are correct when you say "don't chase the money" and that the money will find you, if your approach is quality first. I enjoy your excellent machining videos very much. Please keep making them.
Absolutely brilliant information Peter. Thank you so much for taking the risk to put out this video. Everyone should hear what you said. Not many will grasp it but those that do will change their own life.
I just quit my construction business of 20 yrs I Def understand what your trying to say you might have reinspirerd me to keep fighting the good fight thank also love your content
Disclaimer...do exactly what he said but remember, you may suck at the first half dozen things you want to be good at. If you suck at something find something else to do. Don't just "keep your dream alive" out of pride. You're good at something but it may not be anywhere close to what you want to be good at.
You are a kind gentleman, I follow your work with passion. You're very good and precise. It is very clear to me that you do not work for money, you work with passion. A warm greeting from Sardinia (Italy)
Please, please keep your experience and information coming if at all possible. I myself am under 30 and always strive to learn and expand my abilities. I see myself more as a craftsmen then a businesmen, and that is what I think is holding me back. Your information is absolutely priceless for me! Thank you!
I enjoyed this video! It is amazing to me how much your story and life parallels mine. Your life philosophy is so spot on. I live in Houston also. I'm also 65, I have owned 35 businesses, worked oilfield jobs, had a Shell full service gas station, automotive machine shop, and many other similar experiences. Did I mention how much I enjoyed this video ! ! ! !!!
Thank you sooo much. My business is just taking of and I did the things like you, even on much older machines. And it started to work. It's in fact like you said: Do the work as good as you can and people will come over with work on their own. And feeling of beeing on your own is the greates satisfaction I ever felt in my life.
Peter, this information is gold for someone who is trying to follow the same path that you did. I am a Mechanical engineer and like you I enjoy precision machining, maybe someday I'll have my own machines like you. Keep going with these awesome videos!
Interesting vid Peter. I am self employed as well doing CAD work. Although I do correct people when they say I own my own business. Technically I do own an LLC but I think the true definition of a business is that it will keep functioning and producing if you are not there. A better description is I own a job. If I'm gone, the work stops. Nothing wrong with that, just a different perspective I guess. Thanks for your insight-
Good video Peter. I like your philosophy of how you have lived your life and made your money, and it suddenly dawned on me that it is actually the way I have lived my own life, without really thinking about it . I'm today retired and it has turned out that I have succeeded in living my own dream that I got as a young man, and I am sure that there are others who will too and have done it as you and I have done and who will also have a happy working life, although it has been hard at times, but which has in the end proved to be the right way to do things, and to these people I can only say good luck and believe in yourselves and live your dream.
For several years now I'm told that I should start my own business but as you said this is nothing you learn in any school, I always wanted to do the work I enjoy to do and over the last years I'm thinking and dreaming more and more about buying at least one decent CNC machine but I'm really afraid of all the stuff that has to di with money, accounting, taxes, quotes, invoices and all that stuff, without a mentor I don't think I would do this. But as you said, I also think that the whole education system is layed out for people being employees, who wants to break out must have the will and the ability to do so.
Spot on. Thanks for saying what needs to be said with such candor. It's clear you enjoy your work and we get to experience it vicariously. Dont't worry about sound and light. The message was clear.
Yes! Definitely interesting. Ive been working in machine shops since 2004 and Im just starting my own shop now. Got a VF2, already had fabrication equipment etc etc. Finishing up my first paying job now. Id love to hear more about this sort of thing. Thanks as usual Peter
I got alot of love for you Peter. You’re genuine and your sincerity translates well over the pixies on my screen. Your pearls of wisdom are much appreciated to anybody in any field
Hey Peter this hits home, I’ve contemplated starting a shop for years because I love doing the work. Everyone always says if you don’t know business you will fail, that being a good machinist doesn’t mean squat you have to be a good businessman. What you said makes total sense to me, Thanks for sharing it...
One of your best videos. My wife and I started our " Ma and Pa " machine shop 38 years ago and your comments are right on. I tell people it's a way life to work for yourself and it requires commitment, something you want to do. My desire was to be as happy as possible and hope to be able to make a living doing it. Honest dealings and good work is the key. The money will come as you said. Lots of mistakes and things to learn as you go.
Thanks for sharing your sincere thoughts and life experience! Since I came across this channel, I always felt some sort of empathy with you, but never understood what brought about this feeling, until I watched this video - Not only I agree with your thinking, but my mind works in a similar way. I was surprised to know that we are almost the same age - you look so much younger and that is probably because you have worked in what you like and in your own terms all your life, while I still carry the weight of having to resort to working for others (even if successfully), after a couple of failed attempts of entrepreneurship, while carrying too much ballast from other responsibilities (some real, some imagined). Much later in life, I did experience the fact that, if you do a competent job as an independent contractor, people will come looking for you, but I was already too tired and saturated to start over again. I think this could also serve as a hint for younger people - be as free and as pleased, while as responsible and competent as you can, with the work you choose to do, because in the end, it will weight on you accordingly.
Mr. Peter thank you! For sharing your life experiences and knowledge with us. Social media ( the world ) needs people like you, Honest and Unique. 👏👏👏👏
Don't do partnerships, only with your wife of many years. Your a good man Peter. It's up to the individual on developing their skills in this trade and how good they want to get. I worked in a lot of shops across the country and choose where I wanted to work, not the other way around. Had an old master machinist tell me during my apprenticeship it was time for him to move on and I asked him why, he said he was getting bored and needed some different challenging work. I think of all the new things I picked up working in different shops made me that much more valuable. I'll go through all your videos and I'm sure there are a few things you can show me that I didn't think of or know in my 46 years of machining.
Agree 100%! A good reputation gets you more money, but money can never get you a better reputation. When making decisions, always consider the effect your choices will have on your reputation and choose the one that will better your reputation even at the cost of lower profit. A good reputation is priceless. Can't wait to hear any insights you have on any topic. Common sense has become very uncommon these days.
Thank you sharing this story of yourself ! I really appreciate this kind of conversations. Life is not all about work , it 's also about pleasure and satisfaction of the mind , growing, learning . I had a time that I felt like a number of society, wake up ,work ,eat and sleep. Lucky I don't feel like that now anymore ! I have pleasure and satisfaction in my work what tribute to a beter and healthy life. Keep those stories coming Peter . I like to learn . Greatings from a lathe man from The Netherlands
Awesome content. Keep up the great work. Lots of valuable words of wisdom I picked up and hopefully many other younger folk will pick up aswell. Thank you.
Putting out a well made, perfect part is the best advertisement. If I made a little money, or break even, I just chalk it up as advertisement. That's what drives other jobs coming to me. By then, I know what it really cost to do a perfect job, and I quote accordingly.
Hi, I am 74 now and still have all the sparks flying in my head, I started working for myself at 20 years of age meeting my wife at 21, firstly in the building trade then I started racing cars, for this I needed a car workshop so over time I had my own garage as my interests changed to to boats I built two boats for myself and I moved into fitting them out so I moved into a boat joinery workshop doing any work that came in, as you say don't focus on the payment, I lost money on a lot of my early work but gained a high standard of finish and most of all pride in making a finished job that when finished I would look at and say "that's as good as anyone could do". In the early years I worked long hours but always paid my bills and never went to the banks for help I just increased the hours I worked until the new machine was purchased, I retired 7 years ago, like you customers came to me because I could do it! and the work looked good, I turned away a lot of work and took on the most challenging , I sold my business, with success money comes, I found a lot in your video that was like me. I wish you a long and happy life. John
This video is full of great advice, thank you Sir. You said that you don't know if content like this is interesting, this content is invaluable!!! Please keep showing your machinery skills as well as sharing your life lessons. No school would ever try to convince someone to not work for money. Working for a job well done is priceless, pushing boundaries is why you've made your abilities work for you! BRAVO! ENCORE!
I am older, retired, but always wanted to learn machinist skills. From you and your videos I have learned quite a bit.. When I was young I learned a hint of some of these things from my grandfather in his shop. I went on to a totally different career but now can do the work I always wanted. What you are describing is the old style apprenticeship system which worked for over 1000 years. Today we have a different set of values and it is hard to see that as having any value... there are things an old hand can teach a young buck he can't learn any other way.... PS so those were YOUR Lugers.....Instant even higher respect!
Thank you for your candour, I felt for you listening to your previous brushes with partners and business. I guess it resonates with many of us. Don't worry about the lighting it doesn't detract from what is an honest and heartfelt message. When you talk we will listen.
I agree with you entirely, whenever I've worked because I needed the money, it never really worked out, Ever since, I've done things because I enjoy doing the work, work has taken off, I made more money and the work just rolled in! Regards, Matthew
I think you are right that people will seek you out if you do good work because so few people to good work. But my experience is that does not necessarily mean they want to pay you what your work is worth. The real trick is being able to do a good job and charge accordingly.
As great as all of your other videos are, this one takes the cake! So many things to learn here. I also found the history about the companies you worked at very interesting. Behind it is the story of the disaster of offshoring of production, because of which (in part) there is a 'lost generation' of people who could not climb the ladder you climbed - most ladders were taken away. Your story is very recognizable to me as I have run my own engineering & sheet metal shop for 9 years before I had to quit in 2013 because of overpowering headwinds. The experience I gained I would never want to miss and it is still very helpful in the jobs I have had since. It's been an interesting switch from being a one-man company and owner to working at multinationals. I am now at a global OEM player of about 100 employees, which seems to fit well. I do not rule out the possibility of starting again.
I like this. Inspirational but I've always been hesitant of my ability to sell. I've been a metal worker for 20 years and would love to work for myself but I dont think I could "move the product" so to speak as well as others.
Peter, I finally got to see this video in its entirety this morning when I got to work. It stayed stuck with me, in the back of my head, a comment I had sent a young man that found this material irrelevant. I drove in this morning into work and I thought about what the young man had posted. I really hope that he didn't really mean to put his comment or posted the comment purely on emotion or something that may have clouded his thoughts. I had to comment to the guy, that there were other videos and pick any of them, I think I've watched all your videos. So it really worries me, if our younger generation that has entered the workplace, is really unable to grasp where the real gold nuggets truly are. This video, to me, is completely 100% priceless! You cannot put a number on what this video is worth. This truly summed the near 40 years of work experience that I have. I cannot thank you enough Peter Stanton, for everything that you do to share your knowledge and wisdom and especially for taking the time to dedicate yourself to your videos. I don't run any CNC machines and probably never will, however, I do take everything that you and a few others here in the YT community post, and apply them to a manual mill and lathe. If you're ever in El Paso, TX., feel free to stop my shop. Thanks again amigo!!!!
%100 bang on. Rules I follow with my machine shop. 1) build your business in stages. Do go too big too fast no matter what the customer tells you. You're the one signing the loans not them. 2) try not to expand with debt 3) be confident in your price and quality. People will try to convince you you're charging too much blah blah. If that was the case you would have lost the job already but for some reason they still want to offer it to you lol. 4) always have a reserve fund. It doesn't matter how good you are there are economic cycles all the time and you have to be prepared for the swings. 5) as Peter said stick to your price. If you quoted too low suck it up and eat the cost. Going back and asking for more money will ruin your reputation way worse than the money you would have lost. 6) your word is your word period. Try not to make excuses for being late or quoting too low just apologize and move on. I've made millions over the years by just a simple handshake. The second that trust is broken it won't come back. 7) love what you do. If you're going into it for money best pick another type of business. Every rich person who started a machine shop in my area got fed up real quick and folded up shop. 8) expect to be in it for the long haul. Once you start working for yourself you will find it damn near impossible to work for someone else ever again. It also explains why it's so difficult to start and operate a machine shop with a partner. EVERYONE always have a different opinion. Trust me, you really have to love what you do to start a business it's like marriage and requires a lot of work.
Wise words Peter You started from a small garage shop and built your business from there. My wife of over 40 years and I did the same thing in 1977. We had little money and a couple of old machines. We continue to work as a team. I also agree with your philosophy that once you accept a job producing it to the highest quality standard is your primary goal, if it costs more than planned so be it, you will pick up any loss on your next job. Your customers will respect you more for not winging about how much it cost to do a job. A job well done always brings more work. Word of mouth recommendation is priceless. Regards John Australia
great video no doubt!.... by watching this video and others like it and especially reading all the comments people have left I've come to realize that I think what most people crave is "authenticity" "real" "honest" we/they see so little of it in real life people tend to presents a facade (mostly due to fear of what other people will think of them and to a smaller part lack of courage) ...I think that many people sense this very quickly (either consciously or unconsciously) and because of that we tend to disregard whatever one of these facades are are saying, but when you hear authenticity from a real person being honest your head pops up and you listen closely it's surprising and interesting so keep being real keep being you thanks brother..
as a 20 year old kid in college trying to run my own fabrication business and putting all my money and energy into equipment and tooling, this sort of video is more helpful than you know. I have learned so much from your videos and others on youtube like this old tony and ave and all those guys, just wanted to thank you for taking your time to share your knowledge with us new guys, it is the reason I have gotten to the point I have and learned most of what i know. thanks man keep the videos coming they are amazing.
Thanks for the advice you give in this video. Thanks for telling us that have just found your channel a little bit about your story. Just about to launch our own company with my wife. Currently we will be in our 2 car garage. We have met some great people thanks to the manufacturing industry, which have been more than gracious with help along the way.. mostly along the lines of "you need to start your own shop" "..."your working too hard for me , start your shop and ill send you work"... and with some budgeting for a yr and sacrifices along the way. We are now starting our journey... Your right on the money when you said you just have to figure it out..
I like your thought. I agreed with you. Don't Work for Money & Money will comes to you automatically. If you work for money then money will goes away from you. Money always comes to you in return of your good work. I like clear voice as well as your work and your videos. I appreciated
Enjoyed it from first to last second. Please keep doing this type of videos. Im in my 6th year of selfemployment and can relate to so much stuff you mention. Thanks for the mentoring Peter.
Peter, you are really an Artist and your "customers" Patrons that come to you because of your pursuit of perfection. When you pursue the money, perfection must give way.
People do like this content, in part because it's honest, heartfelt. Not full of the usual BS we are flooded with daily. No one comes to this channel because of the lighting or anything slick. The content is just plain good and that's really all that matters.
You are absolutely correct. I learn from experience, some of that is mistakes, good and bad relationships. But I never give up. Very good video. Thanks for sharing your story. Very similar to mine. Take care, Ed.
I find it interesting what your saying. The problem (for me) is to change this way of thinking after working now for about 25 years. I think a lot of people arent happy with their paid employment jobs because very often they are loosing their creativity, they dont ask themselves, what do I wanted to do. They do not follow their own path of career/development. Its good to think about these words and what can we do to change so. I will try to give my daughter another mindset. Thanks for your vid,cheers from The Netherlands.
I completely agree with you man. I am in a very similar situation, working for myself, mostly doing the parts that I enjoy doing, for sure not as good as your parts, but as you said, the important thing is to be happy and enjoy. I also focus a lot in my life outside of the work. This world doesn't need high productivity and all the stuff they say when they see red numbers comparing production from the last year. In fact all that is harmfull for it. And sadly there is a lot of people focusing too much on the money, ignoring it doesn't make them happy. But we all have our own experience and lessons to learn. I feel good and it brings hope to me, every time I find people with that mindset. Best regards from Barcelona, Spain. Edgar.
Yes, please make more of these videos. This was fantastic. You've insight and perspective that's invaluable information for someone who is young. It is almost 100% relevant to my current situation and has given me inspiration, for lack of a better term, and a different outlook. When it's the right kind of information, it doesn't take much. Thank you
Love a bit of "stream of conscience" discussion. The "work" and the enjoyment of the "work" is an important component of what a "life " looks like. I think you have done a good job of describing what a good life looks like. Well done Peter.
I'm not sure I followed all you were saying, but I've been working as an independent contractor for most of my working life, and the one thing you did say that I understood and agreed with 100% is that you must invest in yourself. Another way of saying that came from a UK politician many, many years ago, "you can't guarantee that you will be employed all of your working life, but you can ensure that you will be employable".
Unemployed isn't a bad thing, unproductive is a bad thing. You are so right on with your thoughts and ideas! Agree totally with you on the stock market,
I sit here in my shop late 9:45 pm... listening & watching to you ... very inspiring because I now don't feel alone, I do it to get the job done and do the best I can, at the end of the day I always get paid well for what I do (when I do what I do), I employ 3-4 men on a part time basis as needed mostly hands on myself..... I've been dedicated to the work raised a family of 4 daughters and they are living their own lives now raising their own families. I've been in business since 1992 and mostly work alone.... in the early 2000's ive actually employed up to 8 people 4 machinist, 2 apprentices / helpers (which i did pay for their apprenticeship night school training as their sponsor) and 2 secretaries up until 2008 than scaled back but kept going... so I can relate to you and love your content also inspired by you.... I think I came across your channel thru drone footage as I have been quite a drone enthusiast for the past three years and scaled down sized my drone fleet to just my mavic and spark and several non GPS toy grade drones. We have lots in common and I look up to you, As I know you don't like that, per say, but I'm definitely inspired by you and your knowledge and capability.... I've grown into utilizing my CNC machines at some level and hope to grow more exponentially in this area as I stabilize my financial situation and can get better equipment.... Well I can go on for hours..... This content.... Your content.. hits home for me and keeps me going and inspired.... FYI.... I'm 53 been in business since 1992... Currently bouncing back from loosing my Mother and Father in the past two years (my Father was my confidant and best friend.... an old school tool maker having had his own business as well for 30 years, yes a machine shop.... its been a roller coaster and struggle but I'm still here and love the industry, love the trade and love my job... if curious of who I am and what I do www.tlstool.com find me here..... Keep up the content, Great work!!!... it keeps me going!!! as I'm it does many others!!
You are doing a great service to so many with your videos. The patience and calm cool nature surely a California mentality as you setup and indicate parts. You are a highly skilled machinist and business man. Watching you setting up and machining shows a man who found the work he loves. Life is just a journey and being a lifelong learner is how you get good, and it shows. School does not teach compassion, creativity, and grit that comes from within, seemingly core ingredients for an entrepreneur. Cheers!
Thank you for your story. I have exactly the same attitude towards work as you have. Maybe this is a better way to put it; Do the work you like to do. Because you like it you'll become good at it. When you're good at it, clients will get to you and you can have a fulfilling, well paid, working lifetime. Next to this be honest to your clients and to yourself. If you don't like the job, even if it pays good money, don't do it. The money alone will not give you fulfillment in the job you'll discover by doing. If your good at what you do you can select the jobs you like to do. The challenging ones which bring you more knowledge and skills to take the next more challenging one too. This will keep up the fun and keeps you a happy trooper. Start small and even maybe be small in the beginning. Don't start with a big office and big loans; it deprives you from your freedom to move out of the situation you made for yourself if things don't work out the way you thought they would. When you're young you don't really know who you are and what you can achieve. I started for a real low hourly rate because I didn't know how I would perform and how my work related to the work of other companies in results and final price. Because of this I've got the opportunity to do a lot of different work. By doing all this different work I discovered what I liked to do and where I'm good at. During the first 7 years of being self employed and doing all kind of stuff I knew what I liked and what made money too on the side. By then bigger companies discovered me and asked for quite big lump sum quotations which I did. (on the side my lifestyle has always been plain and simple. Big vacations or cars don't interest me at all; beauty is in small things) Some job's made a loss and others a proffit; they leveled out in the middle which was good enough for me. I could do wonderful exiting technical stuff which really made sense and was even paid for it! When jobs take more time than priced (and the job didn't change on the client side offcourse); don't complain. You made the statement yourself, nobody else to blame. By keeping your promise without complaining if things go wrong (your wrong) clients will recognize you as reliable and a good companion to work with and probably have more things for you to do. If technical problems occur with your work; don't complain either. Help them out as a first and then decide on an invoice or not. Maybe small money lost but certainly a happy client with more work to come. It's not about money. It's about being happy with the things you do. Don't make shortcuts in your work. It can bite you several times. As a first you're not really happy about your own performance. As a second maybe the client feels the same way. As a thirth problems can develop later on because you did a poor job... Thank you for sharing and I'm curious about your thoughts on this. Best, Job
This is great. I have a very similar arc in a completely different field. I learned the same lessons early but repeatedly about realizing that working for others isn’t the way be it at a job or with a partner.
Thank you for the video. I enjoyed it and would watch any others you made. I tend to watch your videos for your machining experience, this video was what I would call a discussion on life experience, which is even more important.
The dutch thing makes sense, you are so chilled out. That has been the biggest influence in your life, just in case you didn't notice. nearly all of my favourite jobs have been done in Holland (for the Oil Industry). They just have a more respectful and laid back attitude towards people and the work life balance.
Peter thank you so much for this video, the wisdom and experience you are sharing is invaluable and so hard to find especially from someone credible. More videos like this one would be very welcomed.
Excellent video. Your work experience, professional attitude and ethic sounds Canadian - European. Enjoy watching all of your videos. BTW, I miss you home garage videos. Those were fun to watch because I think you are more relaxed.
Yes. Interesting content. I too am in my sixties, been machining for about 38 years. Had my own shop for a while but spent most of my years at a large shop. Going to be retiring soon but still love the machining and challenge. We think a lot alike. Thanks for doing the videos.
Great video! It’s always fascinating to hear other’s background and how they decided to navigate their way through life. I’d love to see another video with more details.
Thanks for the video Peter. As a machinist I am always overwhelmed by the complexity of the work you do, but your thought process of doing the work to do the work makes it more clear. You are achieving the goal of the finished part, not obsessing over the cheapest or quickest way to produce the part and move on to the next job. Thank you for the change in thought.
I’ve thought that since I started my shop. I just do it. I love it. It’s fun. It can make me cry at times. When it’s done there is no other feeling of self accomplishment. I really like your channel. Thank you for sharing your knowledge
Please do more of these videos, Peter. There aren't enough videos like this out there. For an up and coming programmer I'd like to get to your level some day.
Peter, WOW.... As I watched this, It Brings back So many Memories... It is uncanny what we went through...you would not believe... I lived in Houston from 1980 to 2008, and born in California... Come visit us in San Miguel de Allende when it is safe...
My wife’s family is from Zamora in Michoacán Mexico. Her mother lives here in Houston but also has a home in Zamora (Actually in Chaparaco right next to Zamora. Where her family is from) She has gone and returned from Mexico a couple of times during this Covid time. So I think it’s safe enough. It is work that is currently keeping us from going. I would like to go around the end of the year if possible. Your history seems very similar to mine. Send ma a e-mail at peter.edge.pre@gmail.com.
I agree with you. I always look at mistakes like money in the bank. You pay once , but gain in the future. if one mistake can pay for 5 , 6 , 7 different jobs . Then that is a gain. To me at least it is.
As a former employee of yours from 03 to 05 that just discovered your channel, it's a real trip to now be able to pic your brain and hear you going deep on life. I wouldn't have pegged you as a someone that would be killing it on TH-cam lol I really enjoyed working for you and your wife. I learned a lot in the time I was there and she was always nothing but nice to everyone. My former boss is my fav channel right now. Weeird. Superb content.
Very interesting yes, thank you.
Ave, Its interesting on this video, I didn't expect the overwhelming positive reaction. Some of the ideas I suggest aren't exactly mainstream. For my videos this got more interaction than some that have ten time as many views.
@@EdgePrecision This is because the information that you had provided are both thought provoking and informative. I for one am grateful to be the benefactor of your experience.
@@EdgePrecision
The most interesting thing that you said is that you have to be the opposite of the way that society conditions your reactions.
As a young person, I find this sort of information invaluable. There really is no other way for someone like me to learn this kind of stuff, other than to listen to those with the experience I lack. It is exceptionally difficult to find someone willing to share their hard-won pearls of wisdom, so if you'd be so kind as to continue to make content like this, I (and others like me, I'm sure) would be extremely thankful.
There's tons of hours of other videos amigo. Enjoy them
Exactly what this guy said! Thanks so much for this
your 1 in a million.
You absolutely hit the nail on the head! Thanks
Well said, I'm 31 and I have spent the last 12 years trying to brake free from the work for money situation.
Massively enjoyed this one, very interesting point of view, thanks for sharing!
Thanks Stefan!
I had a local college engineering class come to my shop 2 weeks ago. I am one man, like you. I have some nice equipment, and make drag racing parts mainly. Your comments about mindset, money, taxes, and getting work done are almost exactly what I told them. I was just listening to you while I was working on a model. People need to change their mindset about life. Hourly employees are being rewarded for being slow. I have never been payed by the hr in my life, and when your focus is on completing the project no matter what it takes, people will pay you well to do that for them, as you know. Good job on the videos, you have the best content online I've ever seen.
I have always respected and appreciated people that have figured out how to make money without punching a timeclock every day. An 8 hour menial job where you are trying to do your best and are under appreciated is the worst. My Dad always told me that a job was a trap to waste your time so you couldn't work on your own goals and taxes are all your getting ahead money. I have worked that menial job for almost 30 years and have now figured out how to make money without it. Peter is right, work hard and do the best you can and work towards making it on your own.
Considering the sayings "life is a journey", "I'd prerfer die on the hill" etc. it shows people have known this for a long time and yet most ignore it every day either from zero ambition or getting caught in the rat race. It's great there's places online now where you find people who have escaped from this, no matter what age.
@@cjmitz it's conditioning and how society is structured
I found your channel a few years ago when I worked for an amazing company that was 100% Mazak and we had a nice fleet of integrexs, naturally I was drawn to your content. From time to time I binge watch your videos at random because they're all basically gems packed full of knowledge. Recently, I've been finding your more personal videos such as this one. I'm really glad you took the time to do all of your videos. I agree with so much of your mindset on this trade and how to go about your career. I just personally wanted to thank you for doing your part in helping me make good educated decisions moving forward in my career.
Money really doesn't matter if you're doing what you love and provide high quality work, it all ends up panning out at the end.
You are a true champion Peter. Deserving of all the credit the viewers give you on here. I live in Western Australia and always look forward to viewing the videos you upload. Appreciate the time you put aside to make the videos amongst earning a living. Cheers
These are golden nuggets of insight. Definitely, please keep doing it. Don't worry about the lighting, in fact, you don't even need video to cover those subjects. You could do it in form of a podcast. A lot more people can listen to a podcast while commuting or even working than can sit in front of youtube doing nothing else.
Or get youtube red and it’ll play in the background ;)
"People will to come to you if you do a good job because there are so few people who actually do a good job" That comment had me laughing out loud Peter!
Me too! It's funny, but it's damned true as well.
Very good advice Peter! I was listening to this driving with my 26 year old son and you captivated his complete attention. He turned up the radio and we listened to The whole video and was very impressed with this approach. His wife is a 6 year college graduate with the loans and such and he has taken somewhat your same approach as you have.
I supported him through the pressure of the high school guidance counselors pressuring everyone that they need to have at least 4 years of college. So far he has a nice house, almost paid for, vehicles paid for ( not new but good) and shows up for work everyday ready to do whatever is at task.
Works with me in our machine shop.
No advertising always back log of work
Honestly, this might be the most inspiring video to me for a long time and im just halfway through by now. as a young machinist in a small 8 man company i get to know the struggles from another perspective here and really appreciate the inspirational value beeing delivered.
overall in the past 2 or so yrs i have been following any content you make and i initially started beeing enthusiastic about the sheer edge precision displayed and came to a state where i am just kind of consumed by the wholesomeness and diversity (in a way) i am waiting to find here any other week.
it even brought me to write a comment about it which is a rare condition tbh.
thanks for sharing like hundreds of times and greetings from germany. chip on! (can you even say that? :)
I've been a machinist since I was 13 in school, started sweeping the floors, learned all the manual machines then stepped up to the CNC equipment we had. Boss was middle aged german toolmaker by trade, was taught very well, get it done, do it properly, don't muck around.
Only 22 now so still know sweet fuck all about life I'm sure, but spooled up my own little agricultural robotics company 3 years ago out of my bedroom. Now we have a team of 7, functional robots and paying customers lined up for our first roll out in 2 weeks time.
Boy do machinists have a good view on life, and man do they know their shit. I've learned my most valuable business lessons from old fella's that have been turning bits of metal into different shaped bits of metal their whole life, never meet one slimey, shitty or down machinist. Truly some of the best people out there - your further testament to this.
Thank you for breaking the format, sharing knowledge only acquired through life, time and shit happening - good and bad. I still learn things from channels and places like this on the internet like this daily, and I hope to till I die.
Thank you edgy p, your work is amazing, in my opinion art. keep it up
did you make the robodog by yourself?
@@MrBeaach yep, single semester uni project. Works but could really use a version 2
Thank you for the video Peter, it's funny i was thinking about my current employment situation this evening, as i do every no and then and after watching your video i realized that i've perhaps gotten stuck in the mindset of chasing the money and that having more of it will improve my situation, when i really should rather be thinking about how i can do the best job possible and make myself as valuable as possible at work. You're certainly right in saying that ppl will come to you if you do a good job and that the money will come to you. I guess over your 40-50 years of working you have seen a lot, so i appreciate that you talk about your expeariences ans give some advice.
Keep up the good work👍
Your thinking and opinions are right on the mark. I am about your age and have been a slave to the "system" most of my life. I now regret not breaking away from it years ago and are now trying to change my approach to life. I would like to hear more from you on your way of doing things as I have been gearing up my little workshop since I "retired".
I too, believe in just doing the best you can always. You are correct when you say "don't chase the money" and that the money will find you, if your approach is quality first.
I enjoy your excellent machining videos very much. Please keep making them.
Absolutely brilliant information Peter. Thank you so much for taking the risk to put out this video. Everyone should hear what you said. Not many will grasp it but those that do will change their own life.
I just quit my construction business of 20 yrs I Def understand what your trying to say you might have reinspirerd me to keep fighting the good fight thank also love your content
Disclaimer...do exactly what he said but remember, you may suck at the first half dozen things you want to be good at. If you suck at something find something else to do. Don't just "keep your dream alive" out of pride. You're good at something but it may not be anywhere close to what you want to be good at.
You are a kind gentleman, I follow your work with passion. You're very good and precise. It is very clear to me that you do not work for money, you work with passion. A warm greeting from Sardinia (Italy)
Please, please keep your experience and information coming if at all possible. I myself am under 30 and always strive to learn and expand my abilities. I see myself more as a craftsmen then a businesmen, and that is what I think is holding me back. Your information is absolutely priceless for me! Thank you!
You’re 65? I always assumed you where in your mid 40s
same lol
Damn, i thought he is in his late 40’s at most ...
LMFAO! Is he Transylvanian decent?
Yep, same.
Same here.
Perfectly said! I've worked this way for years and putting your heart and soul into anything you do will reap rewards even thru failure or success.
I enjoyed this video! It is amazing to me how much your story and life parallels mine. Your life philosophy is so spot on. I live in Houston also. I'm also 65, I have owned 35 businesses, worked oilfield jobs, had a Shell full service gas station, automotive machine shop, and many other similar experiences. Did I mention how much I enjoyed this video ! ! ! !!!
Thank you sooo much. My business is just taking of and I did the things like you, even on much older machines. And it started to work. It's in fact like you said: Do the work as good as you can and people will come over with work on their own. And feeling of beeing on your own is the greates satisfaction I ever felt in my life.
Peter, this information is gold for someone who is trying to follow the same path that you did. I am a Mechanical engineer and like you I enjoy precision machining, maybe someday I'll have my own machines like you. Keep going with these awesome videos!
Interesting vid Peter. I am self employed as well doing CAD work. Although I do correct people when they say I own my own business. Technically I do own an LLC but I think the true definition of a business is that it will keep functioning and producing if you are not there. A better description is I own a job. If I'm gone, the work stops. Nothing wrong with that, just a different perspective I guess. Thanks for your insight-
That's a pearl of wisdom right there!
Good video Peter.
I like your philosophy of how you have lived your life and made your money, and it suddenly dawned on me that it is actually the way I have lived my own life, without really thinking about it .
I'm today retired and it has turned out that I have succeeded in living my own dream that I got as a young man, and I am sure that there are others who will too and have done it as you and I have done and who will also have a happy working life, although it has been hard at times, but which has in the end proved to be the right way to do things, and to these people I can only say good luck and believe in yourselves and live your dream.
For several years now I'm told that I should start my own business but as you said this is nothing you learn in any school, I always wanted to do the work I enjoy to do and over the last years I'm thinking and dreaming more and more about buying at least one decent CNC machine but I'm really afraid of all the stuff that has to di with money, accounting, taxes, quotes, invoices and all that stuff, without a mentor I don't think I would do this.
But as you said, I also think that the whole education system is layed out for people being employees, who wants to break out must have the will and the ability to do so.
giphy.com/gifs/elvira-georgia-dex-wi8Ez1mwRcKGI
If your younger and kid free keep your overhead as low as possible and do ot
Spot on. Thanks for saying what needs to be said with such candor. It's clear you enjoy your work and we get to experience it vicariously. Dont't worry about sound and light. The message was clear.
Yes! Definitely interesting. Ive been working in machine shops since 2004 and Im just starting my own shop now. Got a VF2, already had fabrication equipment etc etc. Finishing up my first paying job now. Id love to hear more about this sort of thing. Thanks as usual Peter
I got alot of love for you Peter. You’re genuine and your sincerity translates well over the pixies on my screen. Your pearls of wisdom are much appreciated to anybody in any field
Best advise I've seen on TH-cam. I do the the work because I love doing it. The money is always there. Thank You!
Hey Peter this hits home, I’ve contemplated starting a shop for years because I love doing the work. Everyone always says if you don’t know business you will fail, that being a good machinist doesn’t mean squat you have to be a good businessman. What you said makes total sense to me, Thanks for sharing it...
You will learn. Because you will have to.
One of your best videos. My wife and I started our " Ma and Pa " machine shop 38 years ago and your comments are right on. I tell people it's a way life to work for yourself and it requires commitment, something you want to do. My desire was to be as happy as possible and hope to be able to make a living doing it. Honest dealings and good work is the key. The money will come as you said. Lots of mistakes and things to learn as you go.
Thanks for sharing your sincere thoughts and life experience! Since I came across this channel, I always felt some sort of empathy with you, but never understood what brought about this feeling, until I watched this video - Not only I agree with your thinking, but my mind works in a similar way. I was surprised to know that we are almost the same age - you look so much younger and that is probably because you have worked in what you like and in your own terms all your life, while I still carry the weight of having to resort to working for others (even if successfully), after a couple of failed attempts of entrepreneurship, while carrying too much ballast from other responsibilities (some real, some imagined). Much later in life, I did experience the fact that, if you do a competent job as an independent contractor, people will come looking for you, but I was already too tired and saturated to start over again.
I think this could also serve as a hint for younger people - be as free and as pleased, while as responsible and competent as you can, with the work you choose to do, because in the end, it will weight on you accordingly.
Mr. Peter thank you! For sharing your life experiences and knowledge with us. Social media ( the world ) needs people like you, Honest and Unique. 👏👏👏👏
Don't do partnerships, only with your wife of many years. Your a good man Peter. It's up to the individual on developing their skills in this trade and how good they want to get. I worked in a lot of shops across the country and choose where I wanted to work, not the other way around. Had an old master machinist tell me during my apprenticeship it was time for him to move on and I asked him why, he said he was getting bored and needed some different challenging work. I think of all the new things I picked up working in different shops made me that much more valuable. I'll go through all your videos and I'm sure there are a few things you can show me that I didn't think of or know in my 46 years of machining.
Agree 100%! A good reputation gets you more money, but money can never get you a better reputation. When making decisions, always consider the effect your choices will have on your reputation and choose the one that will better your reputation even at the cost of lower profit. A good reputation is priceless. Can't wait to hear any insights you have on any topic. Common sense has become very uncommon these days.
Thank you sharing this story of yourself ! I really appreciate this kind of conversations. Life is not all about work , it 's also about pleasure and satisfaction of the mind , growing, learning . I had a time that I felt like a number of society, wake up ,work ,eat and sleep. Lucky I don't feel like that now anymore ! I have pleasure and satisfaction in my work what tribute to a beter and healthy life. Keep those stories coming Peter . I like to learn . Greatings from a lathe man from The Netherlands
Awesome content. Keep up the great work. Lots of valuable words of wisdom I picked up and hopefully many other younger folk will pick up aswell. Thank you.
Putting out a well made, perfect part is the best advertisement. If I made a little money, or break even, I just chalk it up as advertisement. That's what drives other jobs coming to me. By then, I know what it really cost to do a perfect job, and I quote accordingly.
Hi, I am 74 now and still have all the sparks flying in my head, I started working for myself at 20 years of age meeting my wife at 21, firstly in the building trade then I started racing cars, for this I needed a car workshop so over time I had my own garage as my interests changed to to boats I built two boats for myself and I moved into fitting them out so I moved into a boat joinery workshop doing any work that came in, as you say don't focus on the payment, I lost money on a lot of my early work but gained a high standard of finish and most of all pride in making a finished job that when finished I would look at and say "that's as good as anyone could do".
In the early years I worked long hours but always paid my bills and never went to the banks for help I just increased the hours I worked until the new machine was purchased, I retired 7 years ago, like you customers came to me because I could do it! and the work looked good, I turned away a lot of work and took on the most challenging , I sold my business, with success money comes, I found a lot in your video that was like me.
I wish you a long and happy life.
John
This video is full of great advice, thank you Sir. You said that you don't know if content like this is interesting, this content is invaluable!!! Please keep showing your machinery skills as well as sharing your life lessons. No school would ever try to convince someone to not work for money. Working for a job well done is priceless, pushing boundaries is why you've made your abilities work for you!
BRAVO! ENCORE!
I am older, retired, but always wanted to learn machinist skills. From you and your videos I have learned quite a bit.. When I was young I learned a hint of some of these things from my grandfather in his shop. I went on to a totally different career but now can do the work I always wanted. What you are describing is the old style apprenticeship system which worked for over 1000 years. Today we have a different set of values and it is hard to see that as having any value... there are things an old hand can teach a young buck he can't learn any other way.... PS so those were YOUR Lugers.....Instant even higher respect!
Thank you for your candour, I felt for you listening to your previous brushes with partners and business. I guess it resonates with many of us. Don't worry about the lighting it doesn't detract from what is an honest and heartfelt message. When you talk we will listen.
I agree with you entirely, whenever I've worked because I needed the money, it never really worked out, Ever since, I've done things because I enjoy doing the work, work has taken off, I made more money and the work just rolled in! Regards, Matthew
I think you are right that people will seek you out if you do good work because so few people to good work. But my experience is that does not necessarily mean they want to pay you what your work is worth. The real trick is being able to do a good job and charge accordingly.
As great as all of your other videos are, this one takes the cake! So many things to learn here. I also found the history about the companies you worked at very interesting.
Behind it is the story of the disaster of offshoring of production, because of which (in part) there is a 'lost generation' of people who could not climb the ladder you climbed - most ladders were taken away.
Your story is very recognizable to me as I have run my own engineering & sheet metal shop for 9 years before I had to quit in 2013 because of overpowering headwinds. The experience I gained I would never want to miss and it is still very helpful in the jobs I have had since. It's been an interesting switch from being a one-man company and owner to working at multinationals. I am now at a global OEM player of about 100 employees, which seems to fit well. I do not rule out the possibility of starting again.
Peter we love your videos very much thanks for sharing all the knowledge.
I like this. Inspirational but I've always been hesitant of my ability to sell. I've been a metal worker for 20 years and would love to work for myself but I dont think I could "move the product" so to speak as well as others.
Peter,
I finally got to see this video in its entirety this morning when I got to work. It stayed stuck with me, in the back of my head, a comment I had sent a young man that found this material irrelevant. I drove in this morning into work and I thought about what the young man had posted. I really hope that he didn't really mean to put his comment or posted the comment purely on emotion or something that may have clouded his thoughts. I had to comment to the guy, that there were other videos and pick any of them, I think I've watched all your videos.
So it really worries me, if our younger generation that has entered the workplace, is really unable to grasp where the real gold nuggets truly are. This video, to me, is completely 100% priceless! You cannot put a number on what this video is worth. This truly summed the near 40 years of work experience that I have.
I cannot thank you enough Peter Stanton, for everything that you do to share your knowledge and wisdom and especially for taking the time to dedicate yourself to your videos. I don't run any CNC machines and probably never will, however, I do take everything that you and a few others here in the YT community post, and apply them to a manual mill and lathe.
If you're ever in El Paso, TX., feel free to stop my shop. Thanks again amigo!!!!
There are people who will never understand to their detriment. They have been brainwashed.
@@EdgePrecision
Its structured to give control of everything we do.
%100 bang on.
Rules I follow with my machine shop.
1) build your business in stages. Do go too big too fast no matter what the customer tells you. You're the one signing the loans not them.
2) try not to expand with debt
3) be confident in your price and quality. People will try to convince you you're charging too much blah blah. If that was the case you would have lost the job already but for some reason they still want to offer it to you lol.
4) always have a reserve fund. It doesn't matter how good you are there are economic cycles all the time and you have to be prepared for the swings.
5) as Peter said stick to your price. If you quoted too low suck it up and eat the cost. Going back and asking for more money will ruin your reputation way worse than the money you would have lost.
6) your word is your word period. Try not to make excuses for being late or quoting too low just apologize and move on. I've made millions over the years by just a simple handshake. The second that trust is broken it won't come back.
7) love what you do. If you're going into it for money best pick another type of business. Every rich person who started a machine shop in my area got fed up real quick and folded up shop.
8) expect to be in it for the long haul. Once you start working for yourself you will find it damn near impossible to work for someone else ever again. It also explains why it's so difficult to start and operate a machine shop with a partner. EVERYONE always have a different opinion.
Trust me, you really have to love what you do to start a business it's like marriage and requires a lot of work.
Wise words Peter
You started from a small garage shop and built your business from there. My wife of over 40 years and I did the same thing in 1977. We had little money and a couple of old machines. We continue to work as a team. I also agree with your philosophy that once you accept a job producing it to the highest quality standard is your primary goal, if it costs more than planned so be it, you will pick up any loss on your next job. Your customers will respect you more for not winging about how much it cost to do a job. A job well done always brings more work. Word of mouth recommendation is priceless.
Regards
John
Australia
The best part of my life is when I stopped working for money, Totally agreed Peter.
Thank you Peter, you have it spot on. Do the work you love and do not worry about the money, the work is the important part of the process.
great video no doubt!.... by watching this video and others like it and especially reading all the comments people have left I've come to realize that I think what most people crave is "authenticity" "real" "honest" we/they see so little of it in real life people tend to presents a facade (mostly due to fear of what other people will think of them and to a smaller part lack of courage) ...I think that many people sense this very quickly (either consciously or unconsciously)
and because of that we tend to disregard whatever one of these facades are are saying, but when you hear authenticity from a real person being honest your head pops up and you listen closely it's surprising and interesting so keep being real keep being you thanks brother..
as a 20 year old kid in college trying to run my own fabrication business and putting all my money and energy into equipment and tooling, this sort of video is more helpful than you know. I have learned so much from your videos and others on youtube like this old tony and ave and all those guys, just wanted to thank you for taking your time to share your knowledge with us new guys, it is the reason I have gotten to the point I have and learned most of what i know. thanks man keep the videos coming they are amazing.
Thanks for the advice you give in this video. Thanks for telling us that have just found your channel a little bit about your story. Just about to launch our own company with my wife. Currently we will be in our 2 car garage. We have met some great people thanks to the manufacturing industry, which have been more than gracious with help along the way.. mostly along the lines of "you need to start your own shop" "..."your working too hard for me , start your shop and ill send you work"... and with some budgeting for a yr and sacrifices along the way. We are now starting our journey... Your right on the money when you said you just have to figure it out..
I enjoyed this video. There is no substitute for experience and I would like to hear more from the school of hard knocks!
I like your thought. I agreed with you. Don't Work for Money & Money will comes to you automatically. If you work for money then money will goes away from you. Money always comes to you in return of your good work. I like clear voice as well as your work and your videos. I appreciated
Don’t worry about the light, but keep telling us stories about business.
Enjoyed it from first to last second. Please keep doing this type of videos. Im in my 6th year of selfemployment and can relate to so much stuff you mention. Thanks for the mentoring Peter.
Peter, you are really an Artist and your "customers" Patrons that come to you because of your pursuit of perfection. When you pursue the money, perfection must give way.
People do like this content, in part because it's honest, heartfelt. Not full of the usual BS we are flooded with daily. No one comes to this channel because of the lighting or anything slick. The content is just plain good and that's really all that matters.
Very very very very interesting ! Please do more along these lines. Thank You!
You are absolutely correct.
I learn from experience, some of that is mistakes, good and bad relationships.
But I never give up.
Very good video.
Thanks for sharing your story.
Very similar to mine.
Take care, Ed.
I was feeling down today, but listening to you lifted my spirits up. Thanks
Glad I could help!
ive been that way most of my life. just started machining at 56 been working for myself since i was 25
I alway appreciate you sharing your experiences and stories.
I find it interesting what your saying. The problem (for me) is to change this way of thinking after working now for about 25 years. I think a lot of people arent happy with their paid employment jobs because very often they are loosing their creativity, they dont ask themselves, what do I wanted to do. They do not follow their own path of career/development. Its good to think about these words and what can we do to change so. I will try to give my daughter another mindset. Thanks for your vid,cheers from The Netherlands.
Right on! I'm very validated by your approach. I've always done intriguing and challenges things by choice. Cheers!
I completely agree with you man.
I am in a very similar situation, working for myself, mostly doing the parts that I enjoy doing, for sure not as good as your parts, but as you said, the important thing is to be happy and enjoy. I also focus a lot in my life outside of the work.
This world doesn't need high productivity and all the stuff they say when they see red numbers comparing production from the last year. In fact all that is harmfull for it. And sadly there is a lot of people focusing too much on the money, ignoring it doesn't make them happy. But we all have our own experience and lessons to learn.
I feel good and it brings hope to me, every time I find people with that mindset. Best regards from Barcelona, Spain.
Edgar.
Yes, please make more of these videos. This was fantastic.
You've insight and perspective that's invaluable information for someone who is young. It is almost 100% relevant to my current situation and has given me inspiration, for lack of a better term, and a different outlook. When it's the right kind of information, it doesn't take much. Thank you
Love a bit of "stream of conscience" discussion. The "work" and the enjoyment of the "work" is an important component of what a "life " looks like. I think you have done a good job of describing what a good life looks like. Well done Peter.
Peter, I always enjoy listening to advise from the old timers in the shop, this mentoring chat was great!
I'm not sure I followed all you were saying, but I've been working as an independent contractor for most of my working life, and the one thing you did say that I understood and agreed with 100% is that you must invest in yourself.
Another way of saying that came from a UK politician many, many years ago, "you can't guarantee that you will be employed all of your working life, but you can ensure that you will be employable".
Unemployed isn't a bad thing, unproductive is a bad thing. You are so right on with your thoughts and ideas! Agree totally with you on the stock market,
I sit here in my shop late 9:45 pm... listening & watching to you ... very inspiring because I now don't feel alone, I do it to get the job done and do the best I can, at the end of the day I always get paid well for what I do (when I do what I do), I employ 3-4 men on a part time basis as needed mostly hands on myself..... I've been dedicated to the work raised a family of 4 daughters and they are living their own lives now raising their own families. I've been in business since 1992 and mostly work alone.... in the early 2000's ive actually employed up to 8 people 4 machinist, 2 apprentices / helpers (which i did pay for their apprenticeship night school training as their sponsor) and 2 secretaries up until 2008 than scaled back but kept going... so I can relate to you and love your content also inspired by you.... I think I came across your channel thru drone footage as I have been quite a drone enthusiast for the past three years and scaled down sized my drone fleet to just my mavic and spark and several non GPS toy grade drones. We have lots in common and I look up to you, As I know you don't like that, per say, but I'm definitely inspired by you and your knowledge and capability.... I've grown into utilizing my CNC machines at some level and hope to grow more exponentially in this area as I stabilize my financial situation and can get better equipment.... Well I can go on for hours..... This content.... Your content.. hits home for me and keeps me going and inspired.... FYI.... I'm 53 been in business since 1992... Currently bouncing back from loosing my Mother and Father in the past two years (my Father was my confidant and best friend.... an old school tool maker having had his own business as well for 30 years, yes a machine shop.... its been a roller coaster and struggle but I'm still here and love the industry, love the trade and love my job... if curious of who I am and what I do www.tlstool.com find me here..... Keep up the content, Great work!!!... it keeps me going!!! as I'm it does many others!!
I too had a good relationship with my father. I miss him as well.
Maybe that's saying something that may be missing for some people.
I really appreciate you telling us about your experiences. The lighting is fine, and I find your content extremely insightful. You are a good man!
You are doing a great service to so many with your videos. The patience and calm cool nature surely a California mentality as you setup and indicate parts. You are a highly skilled machinist and business man. Watching you setting up and machining shows a man who found the work he loves. Life is just a journey and being a lifelong learner is how you get good, and it shows. School does not teach compassion, creativity, and grit that comes from within, seemingly core ingredients for an entrepreneur. Cheers!
I love listening to this stuff man!!!! I’d love to have a series of videos about shop finance/experience around money.
Thank you Peter!
Thank you for your story. I have exactly the same attitude towards work as you have. Maybe this is a better way to put it; Do the work you like to do. Because you like it you'll become good at it. When you're good at it, clients will get to you and you can have a fulfilling, well paid, working lifetime. Next to this be honest to your clients and to yourself. If you don't like the job, even if it pays good money, don't do it. The money alone will not give you fulfillment in the job you'll discover by doing. If your good at what you do you can select the jobs you like to do. The challenging ones which bring you more knowledge and skills to take the next more challenging one too. This will keep up the fun and keeps you a happy trooper. Start small and even maybe be small in the beginning. Don't start with a big office and big loans; it deprives you from your freedom to move out of the situation you made for yourself if things don't work out the way you thought they would. When you're young you don't really know who you are and what you can achieve. I started for a real low hourly rate because I didn't know how I would perform and how my work related to the work of other companies in results and final price. Because of this I've got the opportunity to do a lot of different work. By doing all this different work I discovered what I liked to do and where I'm good at. During the first 7 years of being self employed and doing all kind of stuff I knew what I liked and what made money too on the side. By then bigger companies discovered me and asked for quite big lump sum quotations which I did. (on the side my lifestyle has always been plain and simple. Big vacations or cars don't interest me at all; beauty is in small things) Some job's made a loss and others a proffit; they leveled out in the middle which was good enough for me. I could do wonderful exiting technical stuff which really made sense and was even paid for it! When jobs take more time than priced (and the job didn't change on the client side offcourse); don't complain. You made the statement yourself, nobody else to blame. By keeping your promise without complaining if things go wrong (your wrong) clients will recognize you as reliable and a good companion to work with and probably have more things for you to do. If technical problems occur with your work; don't complain either. Help them out as a first and then decide on an invoice or not. Maybe small money lost but certainly a happy client with more work to come. It's not about money. It's about being happy with the things you do. Don't make shortcuts in your work. It can bite you several times. As a first you're not really happy about your own performance. As a second maybe the client feels the same way. As a thirth problems can develop later on because you did a poor job... Thank you for sharing and I'm curious about your thoughts on this. Best, Job
This is great. I have a very similar arc in a completely different field. I learned the same lessons early but repeatedly about realizing that working for others isn’t the way be it at a job or with a partner.
Thank you for the video. I enjoyed it and would watch any others you made. I tend to watch your videos for your machining experience, this video was what I would call a discussion on life experience, which is even more important.
The dutch thing makes sense, you are so chilled out. That has been the biggest influence in your life, just in case you didn't notice.
nearly all of my favourite jobs have been done in Holland (for the Oil Industry). They just have a more respectful and laid back attitude towards people and the work life balance.
Peter thank you so much for this video, the wisdom and experience you are sharing is invaluable and so hard to find especially from someone credible. More videos like this one would be very welcomed.
Thank you for posting this video! Very informative. I ‘m a young person doing setups and production for an aerospace company.
Excellent video. Your work experience, professional attitude and ethic sounds Canadian - European.
Enjoy watching all of your videos. BTW, I miss you home garage videos. Those were fun to watch because I think you are more relaxed.
Yes. Interesting content. I too am in my sixties, been machining for about 38 years. Had my own shop for a while but spent most of my years at a large shop. Going to be retiring soon but still love the machining and challenge. We think a lot alike. Thanks for doing the videos.
Great video! It’s always fascinating to hear other’s background and how they decided to navigate their way through life. I’d love to see another video with more details.
I sincerely appreciated this discussion which was conducted with admirable humility and honesty. Keep it up, Peter.
I watch your machining videos foe enjoyment and learning. This “other” stuff, is also a lesson well received. Thank you.
Thanks for the video Peter. As a machinist I am always overwhelmed by the complexity of the work you do, but your thought process of doing the work to do the work makes it more clear. You are achieving the goal of the finished part, not obsessing over the cheapest or quickest way to produce the part and move on to the next job. Thank you for the change in thought.
Some time the fastest or cheapest way is not the least cost. I know that sounds like a contradiction but it is often true.
I’ve thought that since I started my shop. I just do it. I love it. It’s fun. It can make me cry at times. When it’s done there is no other feeling of self accomplishment.
I really like your channel. Thank you for sharing your knowledge
Outstanding video, thank you. It should be required viewing for every high school student.
Couldn't have come at a better time. Thanks for sharing. Look forward to the next installment.
Please do more of these videos, Peter. There aren't enough videos like this out there. For an up and coming programmer I'd like to get to your level some day.
Peter, WOW....
As I watched this, It Brings back So many Memories...
It is uncanny what we went through...you would not believe...
I lived in Houston from 1980 to 2008, and born in California...
Come visit us in San Miguel de Allende when it is safe...
My wife’s family is from Zamora in Michoacán Mexico. Her mother lives here in Houston but also has a home in Zamora (Actually in Chaparaco right next to Zamora. Where her family is from) She has gone and returned from Mexico a couple of times during this Covid time. So I think it’s safe enough. It is work that is currently keeping us from going. I would like to go around the end of the year if possible. Your history seems very similar to mine. Send ma a e-mail at peter.edge.pre@gmail.com.
I agree with you. I always look at mistakes like money in the bank. You pay once , but gain in the future. if one mistake can pay for 5 , 6 , 7 different jobs . Then that is a gain. To me at least it is.
Thank you a lot!
You are really insipiring.
A young Belgian machinist.