From production manager to entrepreneur in just three months Nathan Schnell's water jet cutting startup reveals the real challenges and unexpected wins facing young business owners in traditional manufacturing industries.

Born in 1995, Nathan represents that unique generation caught between millennials and Gen Z - old enough to appreciate wisdom from seasoned professionals, young enough to embrace new approaches. His story offers insights for anyone considering the leap from employee to entrepreneur, especially in blue-collar industries where relationships and reputation matter more than flashy marketing.

Nathan's biggest revelation came when he shifted from "I have a water jet, can you buy something?" to genuine relationship building. This mindset change transformed networking from a necessary evil into his favorite business activity. His approach of surrounding himself with smarter people and focusing on what they need to succeed has already created a expanding web of referrals.

The conversation highlights a common entrepreneurial dilemma: which employee to hire first. While Nathan's instinct was to hire a machine operator, the discussion revealed why administrative support often provides better ROI freeing the owner to focus on higher-value activities like sales and strategic planning rather than clerical work.

Highlights:

• Networking beats selling building relationships creates opportunities faster than pitching services.
• Administrative hire comes before shop floor your time is worth more than $50/hour clerical work.
• Family business experience plus corporate structure knowledge creates powerful combination.
• Mentorship from industry veterans provides shortcuts to avoid costly mistakes.
• Geographic opportunity exists Nathan spotted gaps in water jet cutting with long lead times.
• Recovery is possible from departure mistakes honesty about missteps opens doors to learning.

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