A 21-year-old buying a family machine shop sounds like a movie plot—but for Andrew “Andy” Reinwald, it was real life. In this episode, Andy shares how he purchased Ripley Machine from his grandfather and then led it through the hardest year in company history, a full modernization, and a deep cultural shift toward continuous improvement.

He talks candidly about stepping into leadership young, navigating layoffs and financial stress, and learning to lead with humility, transparency, and faith.

We dig into how Ripley Machine implemented ISO standards, built a daily “drum beat” around continuous improvement, and now tracks hundreds of improvements per year across the team. Andy also reflects on honoring his grandfather’s legacy, treating long‑time employees like family, and building a business that supports both high-quality manufacturing and the families behind it. If you’re in a family business, manufacturing, or thinking about buying a company that needs change, this conversation is for you.

Connect with Andy and Ripley Machine:
Ripley Machine & Tool Company – ISO‑certified CNC turning and grinding shop in Ripley, NY
Website: https://www.ripley-machine.com
LinkedIn (Andy)
Email: AndyR@ripley-machine.com

This podcast is sponsored by Zac Wild CFP, CEPA financial advisor with Edward Jones. Zac works for business owners who are interested in maximizing their investments in tandem with efficient tax strategies. this includes fully leveraging the benefits of 401k's, SIMPLE IRA, and other more unique tax advantaged accounts.