105. Making Racecars and Chips: Going all in on machining with TKO Precision Machining

02/25/2026

TKO Precision Machining | Marty Moran

What happens when a high-performance race shop decides to jump into aerospace and defense manufacturing — and goes all in?

In this episode of Machine Shop Mastery, I sit down with Marty Moran of TKO Precision Machining and TKO Motorsports in Reno, Nevada. What started in 2008 as a motorsports-focused shop building custom race cars and high-end components evolved into a serious aerospace and defense manufacturing operation about eight years ago.

Marty shares how the team leveraged deep motorsports and aerospace experience to enter defense manufacturing, earn AS9100 certification, and build a thriving 15-machine shop. But what stands out most isn’t just their growth — it’s their culture. Communication is constant. Training is intentional. Hiring is rigorous. And everyone is expected to succeed.

We talk about workforce development, cross-training machinists into race crew roles, the realities of AS9100 compliance, building depth through mentorship, and the painful ERP lesson that ultimately led them to ProShop. Marty also shares why aerospace certification doesn’t just open doors — it makes you a better shop.

If you’re trying to build a resilient, team-driven shop in today’s manufacturing environment, this conversation is packed with insight.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

(0:00) Introducing Marty Moran and the origins of TKO Motorsports
(3:18) How the business evolved from a race shop into contract machining
(5:11) Launching TKO Precision Machining as a focused aerospace operation
(6:09) Current shop size, equipment mix, and aerospace capabilities
(8:00) How the motorsports division operates alongside contract machining
(9:50) Grow your top and bottom-line with CliftonLarsonAllen
(11:02) Integrating machinists into race team operations
(12:06) Breaking into aerospace and defense manufacturing
(13:58) Starting with prototype work to build long-term customers
(15:01) Navigating ITAR and NIST 800-171 compliance
(16:14) Revenue diversification between motorsports and defense work
(18:33) Building culture through cross-training and accountability
(20:51) Their hiring philosophy and peer-driven hiring process
(26:58) Developing operators into machinists through internal training
(27:56) Why we love SMW Autoblok for workholding and automation
(29:06) Average age and tenure at TKO Precision
(30:04) Measuring spindle utilization and operational efficiency
(32:32) Communication rhythm and leadership accessibility
(35:02) Continuous improvement mindset and raising the internal bar
(36:59) Sales, marketing and growing their pipeline with limited time
(40:22) Lessons learned from a failed ERP implementation (before they found ProShop)
(43:44) Why pursuing AS9100 changed the trajectory of the business
(45:14) Mark your calendars and come see us at IMTS 2026
(46:05) How AS9100 improved data discipline and operational rigor
(48:59) Advice for smaller shops on training, retention, and culture