For Makers, By Makers – Red Spotlight

Red didn’t plan on becoming a CNC programmer when he started machining fresh out of high school—but a willingness to learn and take on new challenges has shaped his path at DCM Tech. What began as running parts on mills and lathes has evolved into programming some of the shop’s most complex components.

“These days it’s a toss-up,” Red says. “Some mornings I’m running parts; other mornings I’m programming. It really depends on what needs to get done that day.”

Red’s journey into precision manufacturing began just two days after high school graduation, thanks to a sponsorship program from a previous employer. He rotated through several tool and die shops, gaining hands-on experience in mold making and production before finding a home at DCM Tech—where he now plays a key role in manufacturing industrial grinders.

“You learn as you go,” he explains. “Learning the machines, learning programming. School helps, too—I got a two-year degree from the vo-tech, and it gave me a solid foundation.”

At DCM, Red works with everything from manual mills and lathes to CNC equipment like the Johnford, the largest mill on the shop floor. He also runs the Ooya for parts used in machine heads. Programming is done using Mastercam, with designs pulled from SolidWorks files created by engineers like Blake and Eric.

“I typically machine the heavy stuff—the bases, columns, crossslides, motor adapters, and housings,” he says.

Red’s work touches nearly every stage of the machine build process—from programming parts in the beginning, to machining them throughout, to final adjustments near the end.

“Once engineering sends me the SolidWorks files, I program the parts so the machines can make them,” he explains. “Then I run the machines and get the physical parts made.”

One of Red’s proudest moments was programming his very first part: vacuum plates designed with Jim to hold ceramic components.

“It was my first programming project,” he says. “And it actually helped sell a couple machines. That felt good.”

Compared to other shops he’s worked at, Red says DCM offers something rare: flexibility and trust.

“If you need a day off, it’s not a big deal,” he says. “We only run one shift, and our days are nine hours with half days on Fridays. That gives us more time on the weekends.”

The relaxed, low-stress culture stands out, too.

“You’re not being micromanaged here,” Red says. “You’re trusted to get your work done. Taking on programming has been more mentally challenging, but in a good way—it’s making me think differently.”

When the shop’s former programmer announced his retirement, Red saw an opportunity—and DCM delivered.

“I asked if I could learn programming, and they sent me to the Cities for a three-day Mastercam class,” he says. “That class gave me a lot of the tools I needed to get started. It’s cool that DCM is willing to invest in people like that.”

Born and raised in a small Wisconsin town, Red now lives just outside Winona, MN—and he’s never far from nature.

“There are a ton of places to go kayaking, hiking, and frisbee golfing,” he says. “Frisbee golfing is mine and my wife Jen’s favorite. I think there are four courses in Winona alone.”

Red used to serve as a volunteer firefighter and first responder, and these days, he enjoys quieter moments at home.

“We’ve got four dogs, so we spend a lot of time with them,” he says. “Jen and I like to watch movies, hike, and just be outside.”

Red’s advice to anyone considering a career in CNC machining—or applying to DCM—is straightforward:

“Make sure it’s what you want to do. It’s not for everyone. There’s a lot of math. But if you’re into it, go to school. A two-year program will go a long way.”

And if you’re thinking about DCM Tech?

“Just apply,” Red says. “The benefits are good. The schedule is great. And as long as you’re willing to do the work, they’ll teach you everything you need to know.”