For Makers, By Makers – Blake Spotlight

Blake has been part of the DCM Tech family for over a decade. His role touches just about every part of the machine build process—from early design and schematics to final checkout before machines head out the door. But if you ask him to describe his day-to-day, he’ll tell you it’s all about taking things as they come.

“Most days I’m at the computer working on whatever project is in front of me—whether it’s electrical or mechanical,” Blake explains. “People are constantly coming to me with questions—machinists, assemblers, Gary, Heidi, Dave, Mike… It could be anything from a print issue to troubleshooting a new part.”

That collaborative, always-evolving environment is part of what makes Blake’s work so unique. He’s not just designing in a vacuum—he’s working alongside machinists, assembly technicians, and leadership to solve real-world problems, often in real time.

“You really need to understand how the machines are built,” he says. “Mechanically, electrically—you need to know where things go and how they work together. That way, when someone asks a question, you’re ready with a solid answer. And on top of that, you’ve got to be able to model and design things in SolidWorks to support the team.”

Blake’s journey to DCM started with a well-timed phone call. After being laid off from a previous role, Dan Arnold reached out and suggested an interview. At the time, the engineering department was small—just Blake, T.R., and Jerry—but it turned out to be a perfect fit. He’s been in a similar role ever since, growing with the company and taking on new challenges along the way.

One project that stands out to him is the development of a 21-inch angled touchscreen built for the IMTS show. “It started on paper, turned into a cardboard mockup, and eventually became a finished product. It was a rush job, but we pulled it off, and it turned out great. Everyone really liked it.”

Blake’s involvement at DCM spans the entire machine build lifecycle. Some days, he’s designing parts that don’t even exist yet. Other days, he’s deep into final engineering checkouts or troubleshooting a newly built machine with Gary. That start-to-finish experience is something he really values. “You’re part of the machine every step of the way,” he says.

When asked what makes DCM different from other places he’s worked, Blake doesn’t hesitate. “It’s the family aspect. The Arnolds are incredibly understanding. If something comes up—like a family emergency—you’re told to go take care of it. It’s not a rigid, corporate environment. It feels like a real family.”

That sense of community carries over into the culture as well. “It’s a smaller company, so everyone knows everyone,” he says. “Sure, that can be good or bad depending on the day, but overall, we work well together and we’re all focused on the same goal—getting the job done.”

The people, he says, are what he enjoys most. “When I got married a few years ago, the whole engineering team came to the wedding. That tells you everything.”

DCM’s support for professional growth is something Blake really appreciates. “They’ve helped Logan through school, and they’ve helped me too. Eric, Gary, and I have all taken classes here and there. They want you to keep learning and developing yourself.”

And that attitude extends to new hires too. Blake encourages anyone getting into the industry to get as much hands-on experience as they can—and in as many different environments as possible. “I’ve worked on circuit board pallets, custom light fixtures, and now machines at DCM. Every experience has helped build my skills.”

Of course, the role isn’t without its challenges. “I’m not a machinist or assembler, but I need to understand enough about what they do to work with them. That means getting in their world—asking questions, learning how they think, and figuring it out together.”

Outside of work, Blake enjoys all that Winona has to offer. “It’s a beautiful area. You’ve got the river, the hills, and La Crosse is right nearby. It’s a small town, but there’s a strong industry presence.”

He’s also been active in the community, especially in tennis. “I used to coach at Cotter High School and St. Mary’s, and I was the head tennis pro in town for a while. These days, it’s mostly about being a dad—going to all the kids’ sporting events and supporting them.”

When he has time, you’ll find him out on the river. “We’ve got a boat, and we love cruising and island hopping. We also have a cabin up north that we visit when we can. It’s a great way to unplug.”

For anyone thinking about joining the team, Blake’s message is simple: “It’s a great place to work. Just look at the history—T.R. and J.R. were here over 40 years. Dave Puetz and Mike Dailey have been here 35–40 years. That kind of longevity doesn’t happen unless a company is doing something right.”