Mike and Joanie Kovach bought City Machine Technologies,
Inc. (CMT), a professional engineering service and manufacturing company in
1985. At the time, Mike was already running
two other companies, but couldn’t pass up the opportunity that owning CMT
provided.
They started out with only one other employee, but in less
than a year they purchased their building and added on, beginning a rapid
expansion. Within two years they added
on again and in less than four years they bought another building. In less than 5 years, they owned a total of
four buildings and were employing over 75 workers, including their daughter
Claudia. CMT provides a diverse line of products
including lifting magnets, electric machinery, industrial machining, in-place
machining, babbitt bearings and crane brakes.
They also offer field services for on-site repair and predictive
maintenance within a 200-mile radius of their Youngstown location.
Mike’s wife Joanie encouraged CMT’s membership with NFIB
after a good friend sent a sales person to their offices. They enjoy being a part of NFIB because NFIB helps
them stay aware of what is going on in government that could impact the
business.
“We are focused on running the business, so having an
organization that helps us stay in tune to what’s going on in Columbus and DC
is priceless,” said Mike Kovach.
CMT continues to face certain challenges with being a small
business and manufacturing company.
They’ve had difficulties finding qualified workers who also have “street
smarts.” Despite this Mike really
appreciate being a small business owner.
He enjoys the freedom of “running his own ship” and even the
responsibilities that come with day to day operations.
Since Joanie passed away in 2006 Claudia has become more
involved in the company and in NFIB. Claudia currently serves on the NFIB/Ohio
Leadership Council, has chaired the Youngstown Area Action Council, and has
made numerous trips to Washington, DC for NFIB.
Find out more about CMT at www.cmtcompanies.com/
