As you might guess, most FEF students graduate from college and take a position at a well-established company to start their career and make their mark in the industry. But there are a few who choose to blaze their own path and fill a niche where they see opportunity.

Two of our FEF schools have recently graduated examples of these entrepreneurs. Nathan Creamer graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in 2020 with a major in manufacturing technology management and a minor in metals processing and ag engineering technology.

Creamer said that starting his own company “became a passion of mine toward the end of college.” He did take a position at a company following graduation, but “after some time in the industry doing sales and consulting, I decided to go out on my own and try selling and solving problems for myself.”

He founded Cope & Drag Kustoms, an aluminum sand foundry that specializes in high-finish, highly-detailed, and thin-walled castings. Currently, he has four employees, but he said, “We need more asap!” When asked what the hardest thing was about branching out on his own, he said that if you enjoy sleeping, you shouldn’t start your own business. “There is just so much to do between production and the office, and early on, you’re responsible for everything; it’s a lot of 14–16 hour days.”

Creamer says his education at Platteville gave him a good foundation for starting his business. “More than anything,” he said, “Platteville helped me understand that you don’t know everything, and it’s okay to admit that, as long as you have a tenacity to look for the answers.”  

Am I Ready?

Richard Bolin graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Pittsburg State University in 2014. He didn’t start out interested in metalcasting. He was originally a plastics major but was introduced to metals when he took a required freshman course called “Manufacturing Methods.” 

“The class was just like its name. We learned about different types of manufacturing, metalcasting being one of them,” he said. “So I changed my major to manufacturing to learn more about it.”

Bolin decided to start his own business to be his own boss. For him, the biggest hurdle to get the business started was just taking those first steps: Am I ready? Will this work? Can I make a living? What do I name the company?

The Smokin’ Keg Grill Company LLC manufactures portable, cast aluminum smokers in the shape of a beer keg. And so far, Bolin feels like his decision was the right way to go.

The network of FEF colleges and universities graduates over 100 students each year with majors in industrial, applied engineering technology management, mechanical, and material to name a few. All of our students are educated, experienced, and excited to make their mark in the metalcasting field. Most will join companies just like yours; others will make the decision to branch out on their own. Either path strengthens the industry and benefits society. Thank you for your part in supporting FEF, our students, and our schools.