Evolving With Your Customers Across Multiple Generations with Adam Gordon

Manufacturing Mavericks

Adam Gordon is a second-generation leader at Tendon Manufacturing. The sheet metal and fabrication shop, Based in the Cleveland suburb of Warrensville Heights, was co-founded in 1988 by Michael Gordon Sr. and Greg Tench. Both are still very much involved; today, it’s a family affair. Greg’s son heads up programming/engineering, and Adam heads up Operations, working alongside his brother and brother-in-law.

As you listen, you’ll hear Adam’s passion for football, and it’s clear that his years of coaching do come into play when he seeks out new employees. He looks for winning qualities that can’t be taught, like the ability to show up on time, body language, and energy.

He also explains that the employees who suggest the most process improvements can climb the ladder quicker because seeing things differently helps advance the business. His strategy is working, as Tendon has doubled its employees in just a few years.

From squeezing in the odd job to the craziest parts they’ve ever made. Tendon has had quite the history.

SHOW NOTES:

• The origins of Tendon Manufacturing in the Greater Cleveland area (2:00)
• The switch from machining to fabrication (5:30)
• how industry demand (and Covid) taught the team how to pivot (6:58)
• What the team looks for in hiring new talent (10:06)
• Getting employee buy-ins with “Fix it forms” (11:29)
• Trying to automate to accommodate (13:49)
• How Tendon barters welding services for Chick-fil-A sandwiches (15:57)
• Your ERP doesn’t give you the full answer (18:09)
• What is the next level of efficiency and visibility Adam thinks Tendon needs to stay competitive? (19:44)
• The craziest parts they’ve ever made (23:11)
• A unique visit from a special guest in 2017 (25:16)