From racing cars to fabricating them, Matt Blankenship spent much of his life in the racing world. Find out how he changed course and launched his own machining business.
Why did you choose manufacturing?
My dad built hot rods and race cars. He owned a company in Florida. When I was six, I drove go-carts and eventually moved up to legend cars. My dad, brother, and I did track racing until I was 19 years old. I have always been fascinated with how things worked, the mechanical aspect of things.
My dream was to go to the NASAR Truck Series or Xfinity series. The next best thing for me was to have an awesome job working in the sport. I worked hard, had a dream, and chased that dream.
I have been fabricating for much of my life because, since the time before I was born, my dad built race cars and hot rods. When I went to Hendrick Motorsports to be a fabricator, I wanted to be the best. It was just as intriguing to me to build cars as it was for me to drive them.
What advice do you have for people wanting to pursue a career in manufacturing?
No one really talks about this, but if you want to own a business, you should be single or have a spouse or partner that understands what you’re trying to do and is okay with you not being around a lot. The truth is, when you’re starting out, you may have to work seven days a week. You have to be really dedicated.
The manufacturing business, especially for a business owner, can be a stressful environment. I wouldn’t advise anyone to shy away from doing it, though. I would just make sure they understand the amount of time required before getting into it.
What was your first job?
After I finished racing, I worked as a fabricator with Hendrick Motorsports (Charlotte, North Carolina). I was there for five years before I started working for my own company full time.
What did you dream of being when you were a kid? What career?
I wanted to build custom motorcycles because I grew up watching “Jesse James: Outlaw Garage” and “Biker Build-Off.”
Who or what was your biggest teacher?
My dad. When I was a kid, if I worked on something and ran into a problem, I’d ask him how to proceed. My dad would never tell me the answer. He’d say, “Try to figure it out first. If I see that you’re trying, then I’ll help, but I’m not going to help somebody that hasn’t tried.”
He used to tell me that all the time. I used to think that was mean, but if he didn’t raise me that way, there’s no way that I could do this job. Machining is not just about cutting parts. So much happens before a part is even cut. Machining is really about problem solving.
What are you most proud of professionally?
I have somewhere I’d like to be. I’m not there yet, but I’m getting close. I will say that I’m proud that my manufacturing business has made it to its fifth year.
Ready to learn more?
Want to read more about Matt and Innovative Technology Manufacturing? Click here to see their success story!
