From Programmer to Shop Owner: How Kingdom Precision Machining Thrives With Xometry

Starting a precision machine shop from scratch often means struggling with cold calls and client acquisition. Partnering with Xometry eliminated that initial barrier entirely. By taking on work through the Xometry Job Board, Shebesta gained immediate access to enterprise-tier accounts.

“The work I get from Xometry that I couldn't get on my own would definitely be some of the bigger companies that [order] through Xometry. It's really hard to get your foot in the door with some of these bigger companies,” Shebesta said. Being able to access enterprise-level work for aerospace companies through the Xometry platform is “amazing.”

Another key benefit for Shebesta is that Kingdom Precision Machining is located next to his house. Instead of enduring a rigid corporate commute, Shebesta enjoys a combination of hands-on shop work, programming, and quality time with his family.

His typical workday looks very different today than it did before he launched his own shop. “The main thing is that I see my family more in the morning. I can see them and wave them goodbye, and then see them when they come back home … Having that freedom as a business owner now is really awesome.”

To maximize production efficiency and tackle tighter tolerances, Shebesta added a 5-axis trunnion tilt to his mill. That forward-looking investment has paid off: Kingdom Precision Machining has completed 82 jobs and generated over $436,000 in revenue through Xometry.

During a visit to the shop, Silpa Gollapalli, SVP, Commercial at Xometry, noted the power of Shebesta’s lean, high-output setup. “It's incredible to see how much work they're able to crank out of this one machine. And there's room to grow,” she said. “I’m very excited to see what they've accomplished already, the possibilities, and the role that Xometry has played along the way.”

Gollapalli emphasized that Xometry’s focus centers around "the three Cs: capabilities, capacity, and certification." When a supplier prioritizes these three things, scale naturally follows. “We have multitudes of stories where folks have started with one machine in a garage and now are running 30- or 40-machine shops with an incredible growth trajectory,” she said. 

Shebesta credits Xometry’s hands-on support team with keeping his pipeline running smoothly. The Xometry Partner Team checks in on current projects and supports him in pursuing certifications that will open his shop up to more jobs in the future. “Xometry has been very helpful in getting different certifications and things that I need, and equipping me to be in this industry and thrive,” he said.

Looking ahead, Shebesta envisions expanding into a larger facility, adding more machines, hiring a dedicated inspection team, and implementing automation for lights-out overnight runs. He currently manages two to three concurrent jobs and plans to scale to 10 or more.

For other machinists contemplating stepping out on their own, Shebesta encourages them to take the leap and take advantage of the benefits of working with Xometry.

 “If somebody's out there working a full-time job right now, but has a machine in their garage, I would say get onto Xometry, apply to be a Partner, and just try it,” he said. “Accept a few jobs and see how much work and money is out there to be made. You're going to realize how awesome it is being your own boss, and how much you can make and provide for your family.”

Learn how tapping into Xometry’s platform can streamline your work and accelerate growth. For more information, reach out to partneronboarding@xometry.com or start your application.