When Scott Erdman set out to start his own business, he did so with determination, faith, and a willingness to take risks. After spending three years searching for a machine shop to buy—only for those deals to fall through—he made a bold declaration: “I said, okay, I’ll be done with where I’m working. I’ve tried to buy a business, have everything all fell through. I said, if you still want me to take care of you, I will do a startup and I’ll be in business in 60 days.” On January 15, 1996, exactly 60 days after making that promise, Erdman Machine opened its doors. What followed was nothing short of a success story built on resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to quality.
A Leap of Faith
Scott Erdman’s journey into entrepreneurship wasn’t an easy one. After multiple failed attempts to purchase a machine shop, he found himself at a crossroads. However, instead of giving up, he made a promise to one of his customers that he would start his own shop and be operational within two months. Through a mix of determination and timely connections, Scott found an investor willing to back his vision—simply because of his reputation and work ethic. “Lloyd’s old school. He says, you’re okay. That’s good enough for me.”
That leap of faith paid off. Erdman Machine quickly gained traction, surpassing its initial projected sales of $80,000 in the first year with actual sales reaching $239,000. “We ended up with 239,000 in sales the first year. So that went really good.” By year three, the company had exceeded the original five-year projection, hitting $1.3 million in sales. “Ken said, okay, how long is it going to take to get to a million in sales? And so we did a five-year projection for that. And then we did three-quarters of a million the second year and 1.3 million in the third year.”
Images courtesy of Scott Erdman
Engineering Excellence & Innovation
Erdman Machine has built a reputation for precision, problem-solving, and technical expertise. From aerospace to defense, Scott and his team work on complex components that require precision machining and innovative approaches. One notable project involved machining a new material for GE Aircraft Engines—a ceramic-metal matrix composite. “It’s very difficult to machine because it’s a ceramic-metal matrix composite type thing and that with the EDM, you need to be able to conduct electricity. And when you put ceramic in there, then you have non-conductivity…but with the way they blended it, it got where it could conduct electricity.” His shop was the first in the country to successfully machine the material, a testament to his hands-on approach and expertise.
Another major milestone for Erdman Machine was its contribution to the Parker Solar Probe, a NASA project that launched in 2018 and recently reached the sun. “We did some parts for it back in 2014, 2015, timeframe. And I’ve been telling people for years, we’ve been doing, we did these satellite parts… and a couple weeks ago in the news, Parker Satellite made it to the sun.”
Images courtesy of Scott Erdman
A Leadership Approach Rooted in Experience
Scott Erdman’s leadership style is shaped by his own experience working on the shop floor. He believes in leading by example and maintaining an open-door policy where employees feel comfortable approaching him. His philosophy of “management by walking around” keeps him engaged with his team and ensures quality and efficiency remain top priorities. “A lot of new people are surprised that they can actually talk to me. I know what they’re up against because I was there.”
He also encourages his employees to think critically and problem-solve on their own, often asking them to present multiple possible solutions before providing guidance. “When somebody comes to me with a question, I say well, what are three possible answers?” This approach fosters independence and innovation within the company, which has been key to its long-term success.
The Community Connection
As a lifelong resident of the White Lake area, Scott Erdman chose to establish Erdman Machine in Whitehall, Michigan, to stay close to home and be near key customers. The company’s location has allowed for close collaboration with industry partners and a strong connection to the local community. “I live here and I was used to driving to Muskegon to work. When I decided to open up shop, I thought it would be nice to be fairly close to home and since our number one customer would be Howmet, it’d be smart to be close by.”
The Future of Erdman Machine
After seven facility expansions since its inception, Erdman Machine continues to grow. With discussions of another expansion on the horizon, Scott remains focused on maintaining the high standards of quality and service that have defined the company for nearly 30 years. His son, Stephen, is also involved in the business, ensuring that the legacy of Erdman Machine continues into the next generation. “He’ll be taking over someday, you know, so that’s cool.”
Words of Wisdom
For the next generation of entrepreneurs, Scott offers valuable advice:
- Minimize debt whenever possible. “Do as much as you can debt-free.”
- Don’t get caught up in small setbacks. “Don’t get caught up in the small stuff.”
- Encourage problem-solving. “Let people present you with answers instead of going out and telling them the answers.”
Scott Erdman’s journey from an aspiring business owner to the head of a thriving precision machining company is a testament to perseverance, innovation, and leadership. As Erdman Machine continues to expand and contribute to groundbreaking projects, Scott’s hands-on approach and commitment to excellence remain at the heart of the company’s success.
