“Your organization has shown me that success is possible, even for someone with my financial circumstances. Your support has changed my life and made me more optimistic as a person. I sincerely want to thank you all for the confidence you've instilled and the vocation you've chosen to undertake for others.”
– Michael Green, Owner

Q&A with Owner, Michael Green

Give a high level overview of your business. What products or services you offer, where you're located, etc.
Opened in 1992, Solutions Machining has been serving the CNC-machined components sector of Colorado for 33 years and counting. I am proud to say that I am next in line to carry on the tradition of employee turned owner of this company as the fourth successor. As a wholesale distributor, the company serves other companies directly with component parts and products for a variety of sectors including automotive, energy, waterjet, stage lighting, electronics, and various others. We are proud to have 10 CNC machines with a wide set of capabilities, a 5,000 square foot facility, and all of the accessories and complimentary equipment accumulated over 30 years of operations to ensure accuracy and efficiency in machining.

How did the idea for your business come about?
While I was the General Manager of Solutions Machining, I was approached by a business that needed some parts made. I arranged to make the parts by renting machine time from my employer. I decided that owning my own shop was a possibility when my customer was pleased with the work I had done.

How long have you been in your industry and what do you love most about your industry?
I have always enjoyed the machining process and the fulfillment of holding a part that I personally made in my hands. My career began in 2004, working in machine shops that supported the oil and gas industry.

How did your journey lead you to Colorado Enterprise Fund?
When the former owners of Solutions Machining told me that they were planning on selling I knew that the biggest hurdle to ownership would be funding. Most other lending institutions were only interested in my business history, but CEF focused on my qualifications.

Describe your difficulties in obtaining funding for your small business and how that impacted you and your business. 
Lenders that I dealt with previous to CEF were primarily interested in business history. CEF realized that, as the General Manager of the company for the past 4 years and an employee of 9 years, the company's business history was intertwined with my personal history and work experience.

What was your experience like in working with CEF?
My experience with CEF was extremely positive and encouraging. They made me feel seen, heard, and respected throughout the process. They guided me through situations I was unfamiliar with, informed me as they progressed through their process, and advocated for me throughout.

What were you able to do with the funding you received from CEF?
I purchased the business' assets at asking price in its entirety and was able to move all of the equipment to a new, more affordable space without having to endure the loss of revenue during that period. They solely are the reason I am where I am today.

What advice would you give to another small business owner going through the loan process?
Having the chance to talk to someone who is experienced in my situation kept me sane on more than one occasion. Sometimes having people tell you that "you got this" or "you can do it, just keep trying" isn't enough to help you sleep at night; the coaches have the answers to the questions that you need to understand to feel comfortable. It's nice for someone to tell you that they think you can do something, but what we all need, as owners, is to be able to tell ourselves that we can do this, but the only way you can know you can do something is if you understand what it is you need to do.