Sinclair & Sons offers machining, welding and sheet metal fabrication services.

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Safarik Tool Co.

When customers visit Sinclair & Sons in Wichita, Kan., the first thing they notice is the family atmosphere, Office Manager Leslie Sinclair claims. “We are a close-knit group, especially with employees,” she says. “Customers come over and notice that. They notice how we work together.”

Sinclair & Sons specializes in machining, welding and sheet metal fabrication. The company was founded by Ron Sinclair in 1997, after he was laid off from Learjet. He started off doing small jobs in his garage. Eventually, he gained enough customers to purchase a small building in Wichita. At that time, his wife, Rebecca, sons Ronnie and Chad, and daughter Tina joined him. Over time, the company grew and established a good reputation while maintaining family environment, Leslie Sinclair says.

Last year, during the company’s 10th year anniversary, Ron died of cancer. “He was our backbone; everyone looked to him as a dad,” Sinclair says of her father-in-law. “The rest of the family and employees stepped up and helped the company get through it.

“We have persevered and Ron would have been proud of what we’ve done,” she says. “One of our best [sales] years was last year.”

During Ron Sinclair’s illness, there was companywide apprehension about the future of the company, she notes. “Workers didn’t know where the company would go,” she says. “But we’re not going anywhere. We will continue to thrive until we can’t work any longer. We’ll make his dream come true.”

Ronnie, who serves as shop manager, and Tina, who is the quality manager, are the main reasons why the company stayed successful during the difficult time, Sinclair says. “They stepped up and took the reins and took control,” she says. “It was a lot of teamwork instead of just one man. They made decisions regarding employees, hiring, things they weren’t used to doing. They worked together to figure out [what to do] since we didn’t have [Ron].”

Growth Spurt
Sinclair & Sons has grown significantly, especially over the last five years when it went from a 16-person work force to 34 employees and three shifts. It has expanded its customer base as well as added machines that helped diversify their business, Sinclair explains. “We decided to buy more machines, and we took on more work and more employees,” Sinclair says. “We have also added assembly to our processes, so we can be a one-stop machine shop which is a bonus for customers.”

A big selling point for customers is the fact that Sinclair is known for its quality parts and its excellent turn around times, she says. “We really strive to make sure we work with our customers and their requirements,” she adds.  

Family Atmosphere
Although the company has grown, it has maintained its family atmosphere, Sinclair notes. “It’s still small enough to give employees a good benefits package and treat them as a part of our family,” she says. “That’s one of our strengths. We really work hard to make it a fun environment.”

Sinclair & Sons looks for experienced employees who work hard and are willing to be flexible and learn. “We look for people who are able to adapt to how we like to do things,” she says.

Keeping Ron’s Legacy Alive
Sinclair & Sons want to continue to grow and diversify into other fields, and perform more work with its water jets. For example, they have done various different things such as tile work and business signs, Sinclair says.    

The firm wants to add another building in the next couple years to be used for material and small parts inventory, she says. This would allow the company to expand in their current building and to add more machines, she adds. “We just want to keep growing, keep Ron’s legacy alive and keep his dream going.

“We want to be known as a good company,” she continues. “We want to be known as a quality company and as hard workers. [Ron’s] in the back of all of our minds. We think ‘what would Ron do,’ and that helps us make smarter decisions. We are here for him; he gave us a lot.”