What if the next frontier of manufacturing leadership isn’t on the shop floor—but in the hearts and minds of your people?
In this episode of Machine Shop Mastery, Paul sits down with Dana Gruber, third-generation owner and president of ATCO Tool & Manufacturing. Dana didn’t grow up on the machines—she came from a career in cosmetology—but found herself drawn back into the family business with a mission that goes beyond precision parts: Creating an emotionally safe and psychologically aware workplace.
From investing in cutting-edge technology like 3D metal printing to redefining what leadership looks like in a male-dominated industry, Dana is helping transform not just her shop in Meadville, PA—but the way we think about what it means to lead. She opens up about her personal healing journey, the emotional baggage many team members bring into the shop, and how building trust, vulnerability, and open communication has changed the game for her employees.
This episode is a refreshing departure from the traditional “just make chips” mindset. Dana’s story is raw, thoughtful, and surprisingly practical. Whether you’re skeptical of “soft skills” or actively searching for ways to build a stronger team culture, this conversation will challenge you to think differently about what truly powers a great machine shop.
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