Hello everyone,
I have a scenario I am looking for some guidance with. I currently own/operate a restaurant. The economy has effected us pretty severely and over the past few years I have been looking at a career change (selling the business). My father owns a precision CNC shop which he is looking to
retire from. The possibility exists for me to take over the shop. They currently gross $8,000,000 with a 45 person staff. Their focus is on defense/aerospace/medical. This prospect is very exciting for me as the business is well established.
I am looking for advice on whether this is even possible. I'm aware that it will require schooling to learn the engineering core of the business, which I am prepared to do. I have been running the restaurant (an Applebee's franchise) for seven years and I am experienced in all areas. While food and machining are very different, I hope many of my business skills could apply to either. Even before the economy changed, I was contemplating a career change.
Education: I have an Associates Degree in liberal arts and a three year trade school for restaurant management. While neither of these qualify me to enter CNC machining, they don't hurt.
Age:34
So, my question is, what path would you recommend to gain education and experience? I have talked to a few people and I have gotten a surprising variety of answers. Here are some snippets of advice I have gotten from various people:
-You might be too old.
-You are absolutely not too old.
-I have no formal education in machining aside from community college. I have been in machining for 35 years and I do very well.
-Without an engineering degree, you will never make it.
-If you have the mind for the work, it is totally possible.
I suppose the path to running the machine shop will be a mixture of real world experience and education. What path would you recommend?
Any comments are greatly appreciated,
Matt