Employee Secretly STEALS Our Best Customer While I Pay and Train Him to be VP of Our Machine Shop

[@TITANSofCNC]

My goal in telling this 14 year old story and all stories is simply to give real world vision into what really happens in our industry. If one of our stories can help someone else navigate along their path… then that’s a win.

[@davidpineda4213]

Moving to Texas!!!! Welcome . That will be awesome

[@TITANSofCNC]

I am already here… Love Texas. My shop is in Flower Mound. Thanks🤙😁

[@ramongeorge8897]

I’m a programmer I bet I can learn a lot there we have the same mind set keep it up brother ur a inspiration

[@davidpineda4213]

@@TITANSofCNC very close to my place.....

[@kulpritblk1578]

I'll come to Texas if U let me make a real transformer on your machines, I promise it won't take over the world... 😅

[@kylewaterman2961]

You know like Henry Ford said though. “The only thing worse than training your employees and having them leave is not training them and having them stay. “-

[@joecnc3341]

One of the best sayings by Henry

[@breadfan1071]

I try not to ever agree with Ford but even a blind squirrel finds a nut.

[@schlomoshekelstein908]

@@breadfan1071 you don't like ford because hitler gave him a medal?

[@jackroth5110]

Exactly.

[@private2809]

@@schlomoshekelstein908 ... and he was a massive racist and anti semite. He was given a metal by Hitler for a reason.

[@brownh2orat211]

I'm sure you were working for someone else when you went off on your own. I learned a long time ago you are ALWAYS training your competition.

[@jmathews470]

Correct, and depending on your mindset competition makes you better, stronger and more eager to chase that work. Not set around and complain.

[@Michael-fr6il]

Yeah that's cause he's salty.

[@Michael-fr6il]

Yep I shoulda kept some of those parts but I didn't

[@B2Roland]

@A P he's entitled. If the guy left there's likely a reason. Look inward and try again.

[@900stx7]

Why be VP of someone else's company when you can be president of your own ?

[@gunsmithkevin]

This isn't specific to your industry. You taught someone enough to realize they shouldn't be working for someone else. Why would any skilled worker keep getting wages when they can own the business?

[@Rambleon444]

Did you listen to the full video? Working for someone to steal their customers is pathetic. It's like making friends with a man to steal his wife.

[@Rambleon444]

@@flybywire5866 Sure I see your point if you have no morals.

[@lukebuchwald9252]

@@flybywire5866 --- very good point --- I could easily steal a wife like Melania Trump --- she would quickly realize I have morals and integrity and her con man liar hubby don't

[@dchambers986]

Integrity. Didn't you have a father?

[@Turbochapman]

@@lukebuchwald9252 dude did you just wait for a opening just to bring in politics? Douche move right there.

[@dillongreen1045]

Funny how shops want somone that can do everything then are surprised when they do there own thing titan said when he started his shop he called people he used to make parts for in other shops and said he will make it for half the price....seems like kinda the same thing to me

[@Cr1msonFir3]

Not so much that they went out on their own, but how they went about doing it. It was crooked and purely selfish in nature. The very fact that after being taught by titan he still went behind his back. It would have been completely different if he had been up front with titan. He could have even had titan's blessing and full support in the process.

[@andr27]

Another one got tough lesson. Classic

[@dirkdiggler9379]

It’s obvious you have never owned a business

[@Cent51]

Big difference to getting a new job or starting a company, why do you think companies make you sign non-compete and restriction to when you can start a new company in the same line.. Also going after clients is a no no.. The guy was a dog, different story if he went out and got new work but did not do that. He used and abused, he even under cut the price piont to make it sound sexy..

[@landlifem5872]

@@Cr1msonFir3 agreed, if he said hey I'm thinking of starting my own shop, they could have helped each other, it's the sneaking around and stealing customers for greed.

[@charliemckay6402]

All owners of machine shops are owned and operated by someone who worked for someone else first to gain the experience necessary including Mr. Titan.

[@fokiralomgir2563]

Exactly. At the end of the day, you can't expect employees to stay forever

[@joecnc3341]

True and Not True.. My dad learned to be a Machinist in the Navy...

[@jeffm7020]

I think you're missing the point Charlie. It's how he started his own business and fucked the guy who helped him. it's called loyalty. Look that word up.

[@jasonbare3472]

@@jeffm7020 no loyalty in capitalism

[@dudemcgee256]

@@jeffm7020 If business relied on loyalty, there wouldn't be business. Only super old monopolies and no choices for anything. It would be terrible. Free market depends on competition and you can't have that with loyalty. This isn't a marriage, it's business people.

[@shirothehero0609]

Best bit of advice I've ever had from an exec: Pay your people so much that they can't afford to leave. Best sales advice: Sell on price, lose on price.

[@Stszelec01]

Stupid d Advice you'll don't have money to invest

[@shirothehero0609]

@@Stszelec01 And that is why you're not in that position nor able to write in a complete and coherent sentence.

[@kornpops1261]

@@shirothehero0609 must be the biden chat filter.

[@strikeforcek9149]

What does it mean to "sell on price, lose on price"? I own a mid-sized marine business and just never heard that before and interested in learning.

[@ParabellumRacing]

@@strikeforcek9149 someone will always come along and give a better price. Better to sell on the value your company delivers that a competitor can’t or won’t deliver or you will always be chasing your tail.

[@CmdrCorn]

Ive mostly had the exact opposite problem when I worked for other people: I wanted to become an important part of the company, spending extra time and personal time learning the little things to make things go smoothly, make customers happy, etc... Then either someone gets scared that Im challenging their role, or (usually a family) decides that Im getting in the way of whomever they'd rather take a leadership role, even though they're not making the effort, or arent actually interested/dedicated... Lots of wasted time trying to take care of other people's babies instead of having my own.

[@brianheath4884]

Same thing happens to machinist when you have more experience than the guy interviewing he won't hire you because he doesn't want someone that's better than he is at his job

[@jerryocrow1]

The selfish advance, just like Titan.

[@Michaelkv9if]

Same here, which is why I started a complimentary company to the industry I've been in for 15 years. I won't be a competitor, ever. But I will be a supplier. Actually just got my 1st check addressed to my business today. Written by the company I work full time for (for now).

[@CmdrCorn]

@Michael S. Smith That's actually how things went down at the last company I worked for. I became just another sub-contractor instead of an employee, and it worked out much better. C19 really kinda F'd it up though and now I'm wondering if I could/should ever become an employee again, as wages have skyrocketed in the last couple years, along with costs and BS of running an LLC.

[@benthurber5363]

I've seen first-hand what "family-owned" businesses produce. This is why I want to set my company up as employee-owned and "family" can't take over. If I have a kid that wants to take over, it's because the company decided no one was going to hustle harder than they will. No one gets to inherit what I worked for that didn't work for it. My hope is to provide kids with a loving home and the resources to achieve their own dreams and purpose in life. Can't do that by pigeon-holing them into my own vanity and misplaced ideas on "legacy."

[@MASSARMS3]

"He wants to be there forever" Come on. No one wants to work for someone else forever. These owners want you to work for them to help them make their millions.

[@lukebuchwald9252]

Very true --- this guy just gave away all his trade secrets --- probably happens all the time in every industry

[@tedsaylor6016]

The minute anyone says that, red lights should be flashing

[@williamolson655]

Now you know how California feels...

[@peterfitzpatrick7032]

He was grooming this guy for a lucrative management position... & the guy betrayed him... simple as that... 😒

[@rap3208]

CNC machines sell for 5 to 6 figures, and you'll need a lot of them and good machinists too to start a company. Not every good/excellent employees have that kind of money and other things they call Barriers To Entry. Obviously this employee he had a good chance to start his own business and was able to scrounge up some capital to get machines and machinists but wasn't good enough to deliver quality products on time. maybe his plan was good on paper but in real world wouldn't be that easy to achieve.

[@mazmich13]

After 17 years and working in precision engineering since 1991 I finally took the plunge to work for myself. I know I’ll never be a massive workshop with banks of new machines, but i feel i done it right in myself. If I didn’t do it at the time i never would have. My proudest thing is i left on good terms and still have a good rapport with my old employer and we both sub work out to each other wether it be 5 axis work to them or turning work to me. Do it right and don’t burn bridges, you never know who you will need.

[@jordankennedy1494]

Just about the only wise comment on here. I’ll keep you in mind. 😂

[@brianheath4884]

That happens a lot guys get over the past and give each other work

[@stronglikebull2994]

Works both ways. We had an outside company poach one of our machine shop managers. The other company offered him a lot more money even though he didn't want to leave. They gave him everything he needed to get that shop running in a year. After that they said thanks. You did a such a great job anyone can run this shop, and let him go. He had 3 years left to get full retirement benefits with our company. They basically used him and his years of experience as a budget consultant and got rid of him when everything was up and running and dialed in. I understand business is business but it still stings when people pull this.

[@alanstarkie2001]

I heard a similar story a few years ago and the outcome was that the ex-employee didn't succeed in the end. The guy telling me the story had a smile on his face and said to me "I taught him everything he knew". "What do you mean?", I asked. He just said, "I didn't teach him everything I know".

[@crappymeal]

smart move

[@SB-rf2ye]

mfer was a sith. lmao. sith don't teach their apprentices everything, because the student betrays the master.

[@brianheath4884]

That's not why he didn't succeed everyone learns from more one person and then comes up with different ways to machine everyone does things different and no one knows everything. I'm opposite of old school machinist that hold back because don't feel secure of their jobs that's stubborn and ignorant. I said to guy that said the things so I said just remember someone taught you so don't teach if going to hold back knowledge is useless if don't spread it and a waist to take it to the grave . Teach what you know or no one will know how good you really are and people will say that guy was the best machinist I ever knew

[@johnpittman7928]

I remember a few years ago you spoke at my local community college and you gave a lot of good insight on not just the cnc industry, but on being a hard worker and putting yourself out there. Because of you I got a job at a cnc shop and though I found that it wasn’t quite for me at that time, I have always kept keen interest in machining. I appreciate you Titan🔥

[@brianpittman9460]

Being a machinist is challenging but rewarding as you solve a problem that nobody else wanted. It also has its moments of making me feel that what I do matters and for me that's better than any paycheck! From one Pittman to another, I hope you're doing what you love. Titan most certainly is! Peace and Good Will to All! BP-USA

[@wannabecarguy]

My previous employer encouraged me to start my own shop (2014). Since the quarantine I started programing working at another shop. My boss knows about my shop ( now hobby shop) . I only do work for people I know. And I expect a good relationship. My current employer sends work my way when they're trying to keep the schedule. Now I have guys running my shop for me while I'm out working a 40 hour gig.

[@dimmacommunication]

my biggest fear about opening a shop is this... no work and I have to close ( not your case but you know... )

[@wannabecarguy]

@@dimmacommunication imagine trying to ride a bull for 5 years. No really staying financially independent was key.

[@CGoody564]

My father had kind of a similar thing happen; a couple employees were actually stealing materials from his warehouse and using the info they had by working there to run their own business under his nose and underbidding all of his prices. They ended up losing a lawsuit over it and paying quite a bit for damages, were actually forced to share THEIR inside information with him going forward, and had to sign a non-compete clause for a whole bunch of years. It's a shame, because had they come to him and told him they wanted to go out on their own, he likely would have helped them get started. Instead, they took advantage of their position at his company and ended up paying a fairly heavy price.

[@brianheath4884]

That's hard do and IDK how your dad was able to that unless you had a patterned product that they copied because it's open game out there

[@ronschild9731]

This guy is a model for all machine shops. This industry is overloaded with low quality cut and run shops. He deserves his success.

[@markn6941]

I think the Vietnamese machine shops are taking over NoCal semi-conductor related work.

[@brianheath4884]

You have to get into areo space and DOD work to have a successful machine shop and pay your employees good especially your class A machinest

[@shopdreamin372]

Something similar happened to us, a few year before me. My grandfather had his previous boss to come work with him after his shop went bankrupt. He was a good sales person but a bit of a shoddy character and subpar machinist. He brought in the work though but took a fat cut, more than a sales person would get anywhere. My grandfather left the country to visit family and in the month he was gone this man called all of our customers and told them that they're out of business and basically took all the work away for his son who had just opened up another shop. That was maybe just under 10 years ago and my grandfather never really recovered from that but now we work together and I'm on track to put us further ahead than ever, one day, by the grace of the Lord.

[@WheelsRCool]

Holy crap, that really happened!? Are there ways to prevent something like that from happening? Very sorry to read about that.

[@mikek6789]

Seems like you failed with this guy, Titan. Also, customers don't get "stolen," they get better quotes and timetables elsewhere and use their free will to make the better business decision.

[@zteaxon7787]

Obviously they were fed lies and they happily gobbled them up. That's not the same as failing. It's a fail from the customer.

[@mattrondeau7466]

Seems like you've never owned a business. And never will.

[@fredwoodward1953]

@@mattrondeau7466 Totally agree with you.

[@JM-sx9yk]

Companies like that are doomed to failure. For a few pennies they'll burn a bridge in favor of someone with no track record or history. They get what they deserve, which is a dishonest immoral vendor working for their dishonest immoral company who will burn each other at the first available opportunity.

[@jacobstanfill9538]

It turns out that it wasn’t a better business decision, it helps to listen.

[@Bdpjev]

This is a great topic. I'm a business owner. This is a real fear. You can't hold any one back at the end of the day, however you can't give too much information to one person, you can only give bits and pieces. At the end of the day in many ways you have to remove your heart from the game. Business is a M.F. It's always about the numbers, no loyalty. Workers are 99% about themselves. Customers are 100% about themselves. If you want to create leaders in your organization you have to do it in increments, little tests of character here and there. It's the game, don't over Trust. You will set yourself up for failure. Every one thinks they can be a boss

[@DawidKellerman]

Always interesting how employers think they "own" a customer..

[@TheKritter91]

Always interesting to hear employees justify stealing a hard earned customer, and going in to competition behind their employees backs. Scum. Titan was gracious with them.

[@burlyraccoon5029]

this industry almost all bosses know eachother in the area and out of respect will not undercut their prices, they know they can get other work. in the end if they did it woud hurt both bussinesses

[@danielcruz2256]

@@TheKritter91 it's called the free market. Cause you earn the business,and companies compare -Cost -Quality -Time Name,contracts,recognition. Titan even says in the story that his competitor had shitty quality and couldn't deliver on the work

[@davidrussell8689]

@@TheKritter91 dear sir , scum is a strong term . Titan is right in that it’s a competitive world . Business sense should not rule your heart . Basically in commerce there are no ethics . Dog eats dog . Man the best man win .

[@Yyxqq123]

@@burlyraccoon5029 there are anti-competitive law that prevents exactly that, customers should always get the best product for the best price.

[@RobertWilliams-mk8pl]

That's why I work for myself by myself. I can't deal with the personalities. When I left a company prior to going on my own, I had signed a non-competition agreement that extended for one or two years. I gladly honored it, in fact I never entertained going to those customers. I'm known for starting late and taking longer on my repairs. I charge more than my competition. I can pick and choose my jobs because of the abundance of work. I'm known in my field as being true to my word.

[@Ideasite]

I had 32 employees at the busiest period of my business. Trust is essential, but so is verification. Between government and employees, the pressures and expectations are tremendous. And owners of business must generate enough profit to fund the business, pay everybody and pay for the entire public sector through the taxes. Private sector business pays for everything in this country and the government and employees seem bent on destroying businesses. It makes no sense.

[@jonross377]

@@Ideasite Agreed.

[@bobjimenez4464]

it takes time to build a good reputation and seconds to screw it all up.

[@lukebuchwald9252]

@@Ideasite --- just look at how Commie Trump bankrupted all his businesses and left his employees and contractors holding the bag

[@Ideasite]

@@lukebuchwald9252 Commie? You have to be kidding. Do you think Biden is a commie?

[@billyparker8903]

That's one of the reasons I retired and walked away from the trade after 30 years. Loyalty and vendor/customer relationships have fallen by the way side in favor of the bottom line. Tool and die is the very same as anything else. You get what you pay for. I get contacts almost weekly with job offers. There is no way I'd go back as cutthroat as its became. Fishing 4 days a week is way more satisfying.

[@PBMS123]

Business is always about the bottom line, otherwise it's not business. There isn't much room for loyalty

[@xXSPADEGG]

That's capitalism baby!

[@ramsaybolton9151]

Loyalty? Lmao come on. True loyalty when you take home 10x+ your employee salary.

[@bomoaccavallo7924]

Tiitan being a retired businessman with over 50 years as a business owner i never hear anyone express the saying "its just business" I like felt i needed a relationship with my customer he was more than a number to me. When that didn't happen i was personally hurt and no longer wanted to work with that customer. I NEEDED CUSTOMER LOYALTY to survive. Love your personality and thinking great show

[@marvtomson574]

We ran into something similar about 8-10 years ago, except he was going to be the main boss/supervisor to one of our competitors. It didn't work out though. He also stole one of our employees in the process. When their bizz bottomed out they ended up wanting to come back and work with us again lol. The owner told them they'd have to think about it. In our daily morning meetings owner threw it out there and asked us as to what to do with them. I told him start their ass back from scratch, at base level. When they were with us he was making $19.25/hr and the other guy $18.75. In addition, any individual who reaches the level of shop supervisor/ or master machine operator, to switch them over from hourly to salary w/ a raise after a years worth of tryout/experience as supervisor. Then add in the contract somewhere a non-competing clause of any form [i.e. aid / design / build / render / troubleshoot either for theirself or a business partner] for 1 year, or risk a lawsuit. Which worked out for me since I ended up getting a raise and change in pay! LOL.

[@edwalker7400]

At the end of the day it's not just about business. Its about the golden rule, being a decent human being.

[@ronaldmadican2393]

@Medard We use that one in the milling section! You'll have to make do with a plastic one.

[@C_The_Guy]

those dont mix. you cant be the best at business AND being an upstanding human being, those are two different rule sets. the best business decisions might require you to be ruthless and heartless. 🤷‍♂️ if you are a business man, its business first, always. if you want to a philanthropist humanitarian, then you will get played by people more ruthless than you.

[@edwalker7400]

@@C_The_Guy Balance in all things.

[@edwalker7400]

@Medard platinum is over rated and easily confused with nickel - I could get behind a titanium rule if someone made one.....

[@lukebuchwald9252]

How come Commie Trump never learned to be a decent human being? That's why his life is melting down --- while President Biden and President Obama are LOVED

[@curtismateja1604]

I am 2 years into the industry of machining. I have no schooling only hands on training from my company. I’m solely a waterjet operator and have taught myself 2-d auto cad over the last 6 months. I yearn to learn milling and auto-cam. But I am kept on waterjet because in my 2 years I out worked and out grew the guy before me that was here for 6 years. I produce better,cleaner more accurate parts all from an understanding of that’s how businesses is kept no matter the product or customer. I don’t know that I’ll ever be trained on other machines. But I watch your videos (and have been for a long time) and keep hope that I’ll one day get to that elite level. Thanks for all your wisdom and encouragement 🙏

[@bigdog8815]

Here’s the opposite perspective as I’m going through similar things with the company I work at: Sure, you pay to train, teach and mentor! That’s the nature of how businesses of any sort go, but it’s not like she’s not doing his part or you wouldn’t be giving more responsibility. The expectation that he’s going to work for you forever is nonsense unless you offer him to buy in and have skin in the game otherwise he’s only ever going to be an employee, now some people are good with that, others not so. No for him stealing your “best” customer is a crock! First off, if they were your best customer, and a quality relationship they would’ve called you immediately that this was happening

[@brianheath4884]

I agree the company you learn at always thinks you owe them for ever and what you learned from them you also made them money because of that. And agree if you are his best machinist and employee you should know to cut him in to stay or aspect him to leave. You don't owe them anything they paid for your service and you have every right to move on and they should be thankful that you worked for them as long as you did. Money is in owning a shop not working for one machinist are way underpaid that's my opinion

[@WheelsRCool]

If a shop pays to train you well, I think you owe it to them to stay awhile from a moral perspective.

[@GBOtech-ukraine]

This story is very valuable to me and confirms that this is very common to happen. I also had the stories of that kind, but the fact is that YOU have a vision on how doing your business, you know how to navigate it. There are many capable people who can cope-paste... they might be even more effective in daily jobs, but as the situation changes and the business model needs adjustments, those "copy-pasters" fail, because the do not have a vision. Thank you

[@gmcg8775]

Your video popped up on my feed, so I clicked on it. I know almost nothing about your industry, or your backstory (yet), but now that I have listened to two of your videos, I am impressed with the wisdom and demeanor you seem to have. I can't jump from my job into something new right now, but man you have piqued my curiosity about machining and CNC. Thanks for the content, because even though it relates to a specific industry, the business acumen is what I'll keep watching for.

[@TITANSofCNC]

Nice🤙😁

[@jackroth5110]

This is beautiful. As I read this entire thread I find that there are hundreds, maybe thousands of people out there just like me. I had thought I was the only one.

[@traviskas]

I've heard stories you did the same thing in the Bay Area Titan when you got "better" and your cut throat prices. I know your old tool rep and he knows things about you he's shared and I don't think he made it up either. So don't act so surprised bro. It still sucks the loyalty and trust was broken. It's only just business when you don't respect your competition. Money will always be the root of all evil.

[@Tresoroeffnung]

Do as I say not as I do...

[@jayrenner7565]

That is why we are called employees, not slaves.

[@dirkdiggler9379]

This story is from over 12 years ago. The least you could do is get facts straight before you start madly talking bullshit

[@traviskas]

@@dirkdiggler9379 Actually it was 14 years ago. He did this the same thing he's talking about before his claim to fame as Titans of CNC. Funny there's over 22 likes on my "bullshit" post... must be Bay Area guys who knew him then.

[@Turbochapman]

@@traviskas or they like to hear gossip like women. If you weren't a part of the original situation its all hear say and gossip. You even claim you heard from a guy that sold him tools. If you were that invested in the truth I'm sure you could have called titan and asked or sent a email. I don't know anything about the situation but I refuse to judge people or situations based on what someone on the internet heard from another dude.

[@jirizhanel795]

You can never be sure of anything or anybody, but yourself. You rose above and beyond and prevailed. Your quotes and operation processes are well thought through. You knew, his 20% undercut was his future failure. Some time, people have no clue how much work it really takes to succeed. You do.

[@lookingupwards8652]

Titan, I stumbled onto some of your videos and as a businessman myself I truly admire your standards and drive and ability to roll with the flow. Stay focused and continue the your high standards. The world needs more businessmen like you.

[@bwing411]

These are so interesting to listen to. I’m a property flipper, so I know nothing about this space. But you rarely get to hear these business owner stories. So much to learn

[@LD-qj2te]

They can only “steal” your customer if you did not completely satisfy them in some way ! You do not “own” your customers . Now clearly he may had inside information or pricing and therefore was unethical etc. now if your customer chases price but also don’t think about value and your ability ! They are probably a bad customer .

[@ozr2222]

id love to see the downvotes on this comment. of course they can steal your customers if they know exactly what your prizes are. Only an idiot would keep paying higher rates. The part about bad customers is true, because at the same time, only an idiot would expect far cheaper parts to be equally good, but using company intern informations to give your own business an advantage is just about as close to stealing a customer as you can get.

[@andrews6323]

Thank you for this channel, I'm 46 and just started as a cnc operator, I'm not trained fundamentaly but learning on the job. This has been a great resource to learn above my on the job training.

[@korencek]

nothing wrong with having own shop... srsly who wants to work at leading position for pocket change for the rest of your life. Saying it's "stealing a customer" is wrong. The customer has a free will. And obviously you'll give offers to everyone you know.

[@tommyzgb64]

👍

[@machinist7230]

That's what kills me when employer's talk about "betrayal", meanwhile, they'll fire your ass if it improves the bottom line by .00001%🙄

[@solaroid4442]

Yup. If the guy had talent you make him a partner, give him a cut of the profits and watch him grow the business like crazy. Or he leaves and takes half your customers.

[@jamstagerable]

@@machinist7230 True indeed! With all but one employer in my career has the employer/employee relationship with regards to loyalty been mutual, were one hand washes the other. It is almost always a one way street.

[@unknowndestinyfabrication3872]

@@solaroid4442 obviously didn’t have enough talent.

[@Shieldbiter1000]

Your customer should have told you that they were considering another vendor who offered a lower price quote. They should have consulted you and allowed you to submit your bid. I worked as a machinist at UCLA for 22 years and my co-workers and I were laid off in January with no warning and no consideration. Our supervisor was lazy and scheming, and mean, and he got to keep his position in the Physical Sciences Machine Shop, while we got discarded like trash. I would have felt very blessed to have had the opportunity to work for such a considerate and talented man like you, Titan. I know you would never treat your employees with the thoughtlessness that I had to experience. You're a good guy and I am happy for your success, and I wish you all the best. Keep up the good work and great videos.

[@ryanjones9305]

I have a very long memory myself. I appreciate this story. Business management 101, the best way to create competition is to train them yourself.

[@robertdufour2456]

Mr. Titan! Thank you. Your story has inspired me. I am a teacher in the Bronx. I am going to tell my principal about you. I don't know it we can have a shop, but maybe we can teach CAD . . . my young men are struggling, they want to work but the colleges prep curriculum is causing them to drop out. Continued blessings to you, Mr Titan!

[@keepitreal1986]

Excellent content and review. Damn, I miss those machines, they out lived me. My designs and solutions are still alive and preforming well and training younger minds. Was a good challenge and run. Those blue 6s and 9s took me to the extremes of our country and edges of our knowledge at that time. I am truly blessed and thankful.

[@stinger720]

Don't worry titan... you can always solve problems he can't. You built the titan and you are it. You made it so I know you're not worried. You're a blessing for the industry.

[@ramonortiz7462]

Honesty I don't know why I watch these videos ! I'm not a machinist or inclined in any like area but I continually find myself here watching things made and listening to Titan speak and now a half dozen videos in I'm feeling like I wish I could please this guy or have him tell me good job well done!! Then later when I'm cleaning something in my house I feel inspired to go the extra mile to do the best that I can! I guess I'm impressionable but I can understand that being impressionable is good if the act or doctrine is sound helping not only yourself but everyone in your circle. I believe this guy Titan has everyone's best interest at heart in his circle...

[@kyleforbes9504]

It's a shame he wasted that opportunity. I've been doing this 26 years, and I'd love to work with/for someone like you. I'm the type that is NEVER complacent with any process. There is always ways to save a little more money, make parts with a little higher quality. I'd move to Texas in a heartbeat.

[@scatdawg1]

He doesn't hire via KZbin comments lol

[@danielcruz2256]

How much does he pay ,$20 ,$25. Cap you at what $30. No upward mobility, all youtubers are public personalities. So I doubt he'd interview you 1 v 1. And work is work,show up on time, stay over time . Mandatory over time ,no call outs or personal life if they're trying to hit numbers

[@aSpyIntheHaus]

You an I are in different engineering industries but I keep coming back to these videos for the overall business knowledge you have clearly worked hard to acquire. These vids really do provide insight into and often validate many of the situations I have come up against in what I do. Putting all that aside for a second, the other thing I love is, coming here as a distraction to watch CNC machines carving out insanely massive cuts at speeds that make wince in anticipation of it all going bad.

[@gregsettle9725]

Given the fact that you opened up all the secrets to this guy, it's no surprise he left. Every day you work for someone else you're building their dream not your own. It looks like he had a dream.

[@shiraz1736]

Bullshit he,s a dog.

[@grymgaming5541]

i ewnt to school for a machining pre apprecnticeship. it was mostly from watching your videos, i havea degree ion autocad. but iver never worked on the machining side. i just gota job a month ago at an awesome place. you led me to this l;ine of work, i love my job, next year i get to start my apprenticeship. Right now im mostly running mannual lathes and mills, and brazing etc. Cant wait to start on the cnc stuff, i dont want to be just a button pusher, my goal is to be taking these drawings and writing the programs, and your videos help me grab a huge jump on it.

[@X_Studios]

Should do a video on employee not getting paid Correctly. Like never pay the new guy more then the guy you lean on for everything

[@shirothehero0609]

The "guys upstairs" are always surprised when a good employee bails and takes customers with them. The signs are always there and have always been if people took the time to notice. You have to pay your people so much that they can't afford to leave.

[@badgoat6660]

💯💯💯 bet titan won't

[@kevinnickel7529]

My shop has been having an issue with that currently..they hired a guy for more than they're paying people who have been there for 12 years..its causing all sorts of problems..and the guy they hired is kind of a screw up.

[@TheDandyMann]

@@kevinnickel7529 that's what happens when you hire an engineering student out of college, and the guy being a machinist for years on end won't get paid the same even though they have more knowledge on how the parts are made.

[@JohnSmith-ef8nr]

@@kevinnickel7529 You want top money in this game, you need to keep changing job.

[@666Troll999]

I heard your story while I was doing breakfast this morning. You are a good man. Karma plays an important role in your life. You have great employees. Good luck to you.

[@Kevinrichardsonministries]

Betrayal... is the hardest thing that I've been through, and 95% of my friends and/or family have been involved in same. I'm DONE with people for the most part. I hate it but it's just the way it has to be... in "my reality." The mileage of others may vary... but for me... "The Love of Money is the root of all E-v-i-l"... as is written 1 Tim 6 : 10 ...

[@henmich]

YUP!... it's not the event, it's the lies and betrayal. I am shocked at how many people lie as a way of life...

[@littletimmy364]

It is just business. If I work for you, I will leave if something better comes, if I want a new challenge. It is a little bit scummy because he took Titans job, but I will not be able to work for you for the time you want. It is what it is, deal with it.

[@Kevinrichardsonministries]

@@littletimmy364 ... Negative, you deal with this... as there will be an accounting, and I quote: Isaiah 5:20-21 (KJV) 20 "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! 21 Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!" ... and then there is... Proverbs 17:13 (KJV) 13 "Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house."

[@littletimmy364]

@@Kevinrichardsonministries if there is a God or devil, trust me, I will destroy every fragment of my soul just so I can inflict them a small small amount of pain. Even that will be enough for me. Burning in hell? There is no fire, no ice that will cause the crush of my will and soul. I will, however tell you what will happen. There is only the eternal darkness and peace when we are gone. There is no hell, no purgatory and no haven. Unfortunately because God is no different than devil. They would feel my wrath.

[@Kevinrichardsonministries]

@@littletimmy364 ... Soooo they would feel "your wrath" huh? ROFLMAO... Well Ok Little Timmy... enjoy your Bar-B-Que...

[@gregparks307]

I run a remodeling and home repair company. I have hired one of the best business coaches in the country to help us launch and explode our business. I love the idea of machines and machining as a youtube hobby, it is fascinating. WHO KNEW that I would get a business and morality education here!? Excellent channel!

[@danielmoore949]

I sure appreciate your perspective and wisdom. Thanks so much for sharing. I’m so glad you made it to Texas. Do you love Texas ???? I know Texas loves people like you

[@TITANSofCNC]

Absolutely Love Texas😁

[@dirtfarmer4885]

To all haters. There is a difference between confidence and arrogance. This man humbles himself by sharing about his failures and what he learned from them and doesn`t say word about how good a job the shop does or how many people he has helped along the way, either by employment or mentoring. How many of you can make one part of a rocket or even know how to turn on a CNC machine. I pray that you acquire discernment in your life and quit looking at other people`s successes and failures as a stepping stone for your egos

[@dimmacommunication]

I remember when I was working CNC and I tought I could never open a shop. Ultra competitive pricing wise...

[@oldreliable303]

I told john (my old boss) i said when he hired me, "i mean to start my own shop, i mean to learn from you and one day own your shop, or one like it." He was mad when i quit, and now I still work at his shop when he needs a hand, and he helps me sometimes. If you dont rob someone as you walk away, there wont be a problem.

[@varmint243davev7]

Titan learns about NDA, Non-Compete, and Assignment of invention agreements

[@josephbusby4625]

NDAs don't work as well as you might think.

[@rickybailey7123]

That's exactly what crossed my mind u got to !! 100%

[@speedntktzlastname2182]

Non-compete is unenforceable in some jurisdictions.

[@mikeg4163]

Like mentioned, they don’t hold up in court. Unconstitutional as you can’t deny someone from making a living with their skillset.

[@ClockworksOfGL]

Non-Competes are illegal in some places, including California.

[@genesismunoz9982]

You're a man Titan, I appreciate what you do for the industry, Please continue the good work.

[@ScantFever4]

Honestly I just love listening to Titan talk. It's so inspiring

[@happynostech]

That's a tough story, I have always wondered how that is gauged within companies like when to let the wall down so to speak and to bring someone else into the heart of the business, to me it always seems like a risky proposition but you came through and stood your ground through it all, I have nothing but great respect for you sir, keep up the great work 🙂

[@rushco.8811]

" I'm not crying" "I'm not crying" Sounds exactly like your crying!

[@richardmoreno5160]

Having integrity is hard at times. But Sr you have shown a great deal. Stay strong!

[@first25q43]

Brother Titan, great story I love it.. Not the bad part just your compassion. I am glad that the customer came back to you. You had the power to stand to your principles.. I been watching for a while. I keep saying I will call or email cad files. For quote. Then say your to big for me. Keep up the great work

[@stevesullivan8597]

You can go further in life with good character than good talent.

[@first25q43]

@@stevesullivan8597 What does good character mean? In the 2020s. Showing up for an interview clean shaved. Button down shirt. Nice pair of pants.In our world where everyone gets a trophy. If I would not get hired. That’s judging a book by cover. I walked into Raytheon met the general manager of hiring. He asked questions i answered. I walked out with the job. I did not fill out the application. Another place the same thing. The owner came out one day. Told me how to do my job. I asked if he was nuts. In polite words for here. A little while later I became the foreman. Before one starts to program or push the start button. They need to learn how to machine. With today’s software anyone can program. Solidworks,Mastercam, Fusion, Gibbs, Surfcam and BobCad for fun. I am not picking on you.

[@b2manufacturing]

I did the very same thing, I got paid pennies running a shop, learning the trade, I saved my pennies and bought my own equipment while I barely ate, living in a run down apartment, and once I had everything, I rented a small shop and lived in it, I started doing my own work on my days off, I would never do work for my employers customers, but when he fired me because I was starting my own shop, I said ok, Ill go ahead and do work for my ex employers customers, I did it better and cheaper, I would have never taken work from my employers customers but that went away when he fired me, I took several of his customers, and I didn’t feel bad, not even a little, because I was only doing work on the weekends apart from my employer, I wasn’t getting rich, and when I applied for unemployment because of wrongfully terminating me and I was denied, I immediately went after his customers. This “titan” says some people are only about themselves, but apparently he doesn’t even listen to himself, he’s all about himself too. If someone wants to save all their pennies while learning how to run a shop and buy his own equipment, HES ALLOWED TO, that’s the American dream in a nutshell

[@ryanhosein7640]

Well said Titan. I'm not in this field but I listen to you for inspiration when I'm down. For the last 7 years, I'm going through some challenges in my career and just hoping to come out of it very soon. Having been very successful all my life, I'm very shock to see where I am. But I listen to your stories and experienced which uplifts me to an extent. Keep up the great work.

[@offuttjr]

It’s a tough road and I have seen this over and over but like many things we can’t stop being who we are or slow ourselves down because of the few bad apples out their. As you see in this story this person was self absorbed thing like this will always happen and there are companies that hire people to work at other companies. Being at the top of any game has unsurmountable challenges but to keep our eye focused on our goals and what good people do believe n in under constant attack. To remain at the top is all a challenge within itself. Thanks for sharing. This relates to all things in life.

[@trahim2]

Titan, you have the same moral compass I follow. Act with integrity no matter what the most profitable path may be. You may lose in the short term but you will win in the long term.

[@andylipsco9783]

Well you know his employee didn't steal his customer the customer was obviously looking elsewhere and what's the employees supposed to do work for whatever wages that obviously weren't enough forever people like this dude that y'all are praising claiming one of his employees stole his customers in fact are bad at business because his employee should have stayed working for him and made his millions instead of going off on his own no one steals a customer they offer better prices better products better timetables he should have upped his game and perhaps you would not have lost a customer

[@davidrussell8689]

Ethical conduct in business? Save that for family and friends . In business your objective is to make a profit at any cost . Dog eats dog . The last man standing is the winner .

[@andylipsco9783]

@@micaheiber1419 your mom teeth you know

[@talon3995]

It would be easy to just say "Hey! Get Over It" But unless you've been in this situation we have no right to judge. Many of us live life by a code of honesty, loyalty, fidelity honer etc. When we give a part of ourselves, our time, generosity etc we do so without any expectation of something in return. We don't think about stepping on those we help or care about. We never, use them, betray them etc. We see those we help and have a good friendship with as a member of the family. So it's very personally when they stab you in the back. You have the right to be hurt and angry. But I hope it won't jeopardise a deserving somebody's opportunity of learning a unique and important skill and trade in the future. I love watching the CNC machining parts. Your videos are intuitive.

[@reneramirez8904]

No one “Steals” your customers. You lose your customers because you fail to continue the business relationship you initially energetically started with. They became just another customer.

[@randominternet5586]

Except when the guy takes all the programming with them.

[@tmoney1876]

It's still not stealing, but it sounds like this guy lowballed the price not realizing that he had made it unprofitable. Titan didn't lose the customer because of lack of performance or relationship. He lost the customer because he didn't want to fight to keep what had turned out to be a bad customer for less money.

[@PBMS123]

@@randominternet5586 He didn't take the programming lol

[@MissionaryInMexico]

I worked personal private sector jobs and owned several businesses while doing government contracting. One of my businesses was a full service landscape 8nstallation and maintenance and sprinkler and fish pond business. I had 54 yards that I cut, some of them up to an acre. The guy who I put in charge of the maintenance end of it was constantly trying to sell Amway to my customers and I was always talking to him about it and writing him up. He would always try to direct the conversation to how good of a Christian he was, as I told him "Christian is as Christian does." Then, as I was starting to take losses in my maintenance division, I investigated. I took video of my "manager" doing some of the work and taking cash for it. He also borrowed my equipment to work on Saturdays and Sundays with it. I presented him with the evidence and said, "you can go to jail for this. If you resign, I won't press charges." I sold my maintenance division to an other business owner, and he began to realize the profits I made before I hired the idiot. In time I ended up selling all the businesses as I was hearing down to retirement. I found out the guy went to another company claiming to have been part owner of my business and that we'd had a falling out, so he could het the highest non-salaried position in that company. Laws prohibited me from telling the owner of the other company exactly every detail, but 8 was allowed to 5ell him "I fired him for theft. He worked here as an employee then as a manager for a year, I wrote him up over 10 times for attempting to sell Amway toy customers. He was given the option of jail or be fired. Beyond that I am not allowed to say any more." The other company owner let him go that same day. Not sure where he's at now and I don't care. People are very slick. Especially if they're not saved. Beware!

[@impactodelsurenterprise2440]

Reducing an already competitive price by 20% is just financial suicide. Even a gross margin of 50% on a project typically ends up around 10% net by the end of the fiscal year.

[@wannabecarguy]

A common mistake new owners make.

[@shirothehero0609]

Sell on price, lose on price.

[@Francis-qf2hr]

Am a mechanical engineer by training and I love your videos, very informative, keep winning!

[@robertnelson4755]

The exact same thing happened to me. I had customers leave to my competition because they undercut my prices. They were just starting out and what's typical for new businesses is to slash prices of existing vendors to gain a market share. One by one every customer came crawling back with horror stories about my competition. One line stood out with me. The competition was supposed to provide a specific service on a time and day critical event. When they asked my competition why they didn't deliver that service & product they said, " I didn't think you really wanted it" Every customer that left and came back, I doubled my prices to them for the next 20 years as punishment for leaving my great service for a cheap alternative. I made so much more money because they left that if they stayed because now I knew my customers would never leave again and they didn't.

[@SlackersIndustry]

Bullshit

[@48retrop]

@@SlackersIndustry Doubled your prices for the next 20 years? Come on man, some of us are not buying that. That makes for a good story but in the real world, just not likely to happen.

[@SlackersIndustry]

@@48retrop exactly

[@patdemmon]

All the guys that use to work for me 20 years ago are running their own company's. I was very demanding of them, sometimes i would yell at them. they made great money. Still to this day the stop bye to say hi. they are like family to me. I'm so proud of them.

[@Space-Cowboy88]

Thanks for posting these in the morning daily! This is some motivational stuff to wake up to!

[@Kyle5K]

Just started CNC Precision Machining class last week. Can't wait to get into the field!

[@daveyt4802]

Just business, never personal. May have to have new employees sign some sort of agreement.

[@Daniel_D_King]

I'm an apprentice at an engineering company, I have enough money behind me to open my own shop, but I lack the experience and connections. Once I have served my time with the company and learned my trade till I can learn from them no more, I will go out on my own. I am grateful to the company for the skills and training, as that is ultimately what will get me to where I want to be, but I will leave, I will have my own company. I will not however copy their work or try to take their custom. I will find my niche and unique selling point and take all I have learned to build myself a company I can be proud of and pass on to my boy.

[@naturessongflutes]

Thank you for telling your story Titan. The company I work for has a servant supervisor attitude. It is our mandate to help others achieve more, learn more, take pride in their work and reach for a higher level. It is all about producing high quality parts and high quality employees. As you say, some are only out for themselves. I have trained hundreds of people in the basics of set up and operation of CNC lathes. Some take, and run to another company for a little more money. Some have stayed and contributed to the whole. You never know which way the ball will roll but you still have to reach out and try. I am proud to have you in our neck of the woods here in Texas! Keep the faith and keep up the good fight.

[@raymondrixon2209]

great words , being loyal and confident in your talents will always shine through , its not always about the money , integrity is everything

[@tingveson]

Employee-Ownership stakes prevent most of this. Finding golden ones is hard enough, keeping them is harder.

[@MG-sg2ci]

@Troll Exactly.

[@TyphusVonElder]

@Troll depends on if thats what he actually pays himself. I doubt he cuts hinself a check for 12 mil, the income tax on it would be impossible to avoid you. Now if the company is bringing in 12 mil, and you have 10 workers, you can stand to pay each at 115k, that would be 1.15 mil and now you wouldnt have to pay into their social security (all businesses match their employees put in for social security if you didnt know this.) Then you can make take cheap medical, and allow them to have the cheap nedical through you and if they want premium then they pay on their own for that. Next you got your Foreman and leads, leads should be getting 25k more easily in this field and Foreman should be an additional 100k. So now you are out maybe 1.5 mil, then theirs material and shop overhead cost. So yeah in this field theres no reason for it once established

[@kasnick71]

I am retired now and 82 years old, but the business philosophy that you espouse should be taught in every business school in the world. This is the epitome of "do the right thing, no matter what". Thank you for an inspiring narrative.

[@tdg911]

One word comes to mind here - karma. I call it the boomerang effect. What you do to someone comes right back to you... it’s a debt I don’t want to repay which is why I live my life doing right to others. Much love and gratitude

[@staglione79]

Titan.... that's why your where your at. O.G OF CNC. Keep it up brother love the family channel

[@HolmesHobbies]

You gave him everything to succeed. For some people that is too much temptation. But he couldn't deliver long term because his heart wasn't in it. He was just looking at the dollar signs and not striving for continued improvement. I would be interested to know if his shop is still running or if he sold the machines when the lease/loans were up.

[@BlenderPhysics]

Wow, always loved to just watch CNC machining, but these stories have a lot of value for a lot of people! Thanks Titans! Last year I finished my studies Industrial Engineering, but I would love to maybe work in this sector later on!

[@epicusv346]

I'm not yet in business as I'm still in my research phase but I love the introspective view this gives!

[@blub3910]

This channel is really great, also the motivation, passion and commitment that radiate from it. I have a 14 year old son who doesn't know what he wants to be when he grows up, this channel motivates him to become a programmer and that would be a great job. Greetings from the Netherlands.

[@danl.4743]

You are a real master, Titan. Thank you for sharing your life experiences with us.

[@LearnSomethingHelpful]

Sad to hear brother but the cream always rises to the top. You are a great leader, a great teacher, a great person. Thank you for all you do.

[@joshgonzalez3838]

I pray God may continue to bless you as an individual, to keep your integrity even when things go south. May God bless you and your business 🙏 I wish I could work for your company, as I can see your success reflects your character. Blessings

[@mtdelmar1982]

I'm so sorry that happened to you !!! I am a new student in your Titans of CNC. THANK YOU for making that available!! you a good guy i bet intense but honest ! ! KARMA will take care of you!!!

[@drswaqqinscheckingin7210]

You talking about the same man that bragged about knowing more than the man that taught him and in the same breath admitted to calling up his ex-employers customers to poach work at half cost? Really don't know how you can parse that logic.

[@The_Absurdistt]

I left the industry permanently for alnost the exact opposite reason. Long story short, the company did not value experience, dedication, ingenuity and true craftmanship, but instead found ways to trick and abuse the top guys into giving them everything and then reducing benefits and freezing promotions and raises. Then they brought in young guys, between 18 to 21, at a quarter of the pay, told us to teach them everything we knew, and then 1 1/2 years later "offered" all of us an "earlier retirement" payout that was insulting at best. Those who didn't take it eventually were let go at some point within the next year. I will never work in another machine shop again, I just can't handle that level of abuse and hurt again. I now bag groceries at T.J''s and meditate three times daily to heal my mind and body. Titan seems like a fairytale that I used to dreamed about before the machinist died in me. Watch your backs everyone, greed and deceit is lurking in the shadows always. Peace and love.

[@joshjarrell4072]

Me too brother! I was a machinist for 12 years, also in the desalination industry like titan. Unfortunately, messed up management, and low wages, I said goodbye. I enjoyed what I did, but when you’re told at 27 yrs old you are topped out financially, you tend to look elsewhere. I did change careers and made more than double my machinist salary. But I sometimes wish it could have been different!

[@dougbiddle255]

Wow...!!! Both of your guys stories sound eerily similar. I called it quits myself after 20 years in machining. Definitely not an easy decision by any stretch, yet arguably the best decision I had ever made. Not easy when they expect you to be the brain surgeon of the operation, and want you to live off of peanut pay while your medical insurance is a complete disgrace. To hell with being the working poor. I found a different trade, and started my own business. I would NEVER work for a machine shop EVER AGAIN, unless I owned the operation period...

[@rescobar8572]

BIGGEST BOOM TO DATE!!! Man, Titan, words of wisdom! Keep up with sharing the knowledge. It IS power!! Thank you!

[@sanaboinalakshmibalaji4780]

You are the real hero!! I learnt a lot from you and your academy.thanks for all this.

[@Mani_OnFire]

👍

[@xbgtfella]

Good for you Titan. Even though you invested all your heart n soul into old mate and he did the Liberace on ya its still a long shot to go out on your own when you consider start up costs (cnc machinery, shop space, materials, running costs, overheads) its no wonder that back stabber even got off the ground, did he rob banks or win lotto or something??? Full respect Titan. Keep up the mentoring. U rock!!!

[@lloydparker7345]

That's a hard lesson learned my friend. I am the only one who operates the two cnc lathes at my job. I do the setups and run the parts. What aux is that I've been out for almost a month with the woo-flu. I can't wait to get back to work. I'm sure the company is getting low on stock parts. So I have my work cut out for me when I get back. Hopefully this week. I've actually learned a lot from your experiences. Keep up the great work brother.

[@olderthandirt7023]

Its a crying shame when they leave and go out on. their own, because, you trained and developed that employee to back you up 100%, . As a business owner, you know you need to train them in all facets of the job, so they can take on that roll. Its sad to say, but trust, dedication and loyalty are traits extremely hard to find in people in those positions of management. Thanks again for sharing. By the way, that employee that started out on his own, did you the biggest favour, as he obviously lacked the desire for perfection the way you do and that could have effected your business and over quality. I admire you more and more with each video you post. There is Perfection at the top and anything else is considered a failure in my mind. I used to tell my clients, if your not happy ,I'm not happy and I'll do the work again at no cost. That guarantee alone would win me the work even if I was substantially more expensive.

[@321ooo123]

Business owners don't train employees out of philanthropy. They train them so that the employees can make the business owner more money.

[@hebson21]

You guys must not be that busy if you have to tell everybody how great you are, and make a reality show to pat yourselves on the back about it.

[@johnbarber7952]

Cannot stand the way this guy speaks. I couldn't deal with his ego.

[@jonross377]

@@johnbarber7952 Weird that you take it that way. I hear a very humble guy...

[@need100k]

I'm a professional in the service industry. I pat myself on the back when appropriate, but that doesn't make me arrogant or egotistical. I see envy in your words. Envy is evil.

[@codprawn]

Your work ethic and business mentality are spot on. It is also the way I try to run my business.

[@altonriggs2352]

You will lose every customter sooner or later. Must work everyday to find more.