For Makers, By Makers – Paul Spotlight

For Paul, working at DCM Tech isn’t just about machining parts, it’s about being part of something bigger. His day starts with a list of jobs, some highlighted, some not, but all requiring his attention to detail and decades of experience.

“I run the Haas machine mostly,” he says. “I’ve worked on all kinds of parts, big ones, small ones. Every day, it’s a new puzzle to solve.”

Paul’s role falls squarely in the middle of the machine build process at DCM. Once the engineers finalize their designs, it’s Paul’s job to bring those concepts into reality, machining precise components that later come together in assembly to form DCM’s world-class machines.

Paul’s daily toolkit includes a variety of machines and software, everything from manual mills and lathes to CNC programs he transfers from the computer to the Haas. Logging in and out of different machines is routine, and he’s developed time-saving strategies over the years, like photographing setups to streamline repeat jobs.

“You’ve got to have a strong math background,” Paul says. “Trigonometry, geometry, it all comes into play. The machines can be pretty complex, and it helps to have experience with different setups and programs.”

His advice for those just starting out? “Enjoy what you do, and pay attention. That’s the key. The rest you can learn.”

While Paul’s resume includes time at one of the world’s biggest tech companies, he finds the environment at DCM to be refreshingly different.

“It’s smaller here, and that’s a good thing,” he says. “Coming from a company with 8,000 people, it’s a big change. At DCM, it’s laid back. People know what needs to get done and they just do it. It’s a clean shop, too, we mop after every shift. You don’t see that everywhere.”

The schedule is another perk that stands out for Paul. “We work nine-hour days and get off at 10 a.m. on Fridays. That’s really nice.”

And it’s not just the structure that makes DCM unique, it’s the people.

“When builders come back and tell you everything came together perfectly, that’s a good feeling. It makes you proud of your work and the role you play.”

Paul doesn’t just bring his knowledge to work, he shares it with the community too. Recently, he and his colleague Jim were invited to help out at Winona Senior High School’s shop class.

“They had a Haas donated, and since it’s the same machine I run every day, I was able to help answer questions and guide the students. It felt good to give back and help the next generation get interested in machining.”

When he’s not on the shop floor or mentoring students, Paul enjoys life in Winona to the fullest.

“I used to play a lot of league baseball,” he says. “Now, I spend most of my free time golfing. I love playing at Westfield, Bridges, and Cedar Valley. Winona is just a great place to live—good people, beautiful surroundings, and plenty to do.”

For those considering a job at DCM Tech, Paul has a simple message:

“It’s a great place to work. The environment is relaxed, the people are nice, and the work is interesting. You’ll learn a lot, and you’ll be supported—especially if you want to grow. They’ll even help pay for additional schooling if you’re interested.”

Paul’s journey—from student, to machinist, to engineer, and back to hands-on manufacturing—is a testament to the lifelong value of skilled trades and the unique environment that DCM Tech offers.

“After all these years, I still enjoy coming to work,” he says. “And that’s worth a lot.”