Hood Tooling & Machine LLC: Growing with Purpose
- Cadence Talbert
- 4 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Building a Business Through Integrity, Relationships, and Continuous Growth
When Kelly and Patricia Hood founded Hood Tooling & Machine LLC in 2012, they weren't setting out to build one of the largest machine shops in the region. They simply wanted the opportunity to build something of their own after the manufacturing plant where Kelly worked closed its doors. The couple sold their pontoon boat, purchased their first machine, and opened a small shop behind their home.
"We started in our garage. We had a pontoon boat, and we sold it for $8,000 and got our first machine. We just grew from there," Kelly recalled.
What started as a one-machine operation has grown into a precision machining company serving customers in aerospace, defense, marine, construction equipment, powersports, and other industries. Over the years, the company has earned a reputation for producing high-quality, precision-machined components while building lasting relationships with customers who value reliability, craftsmanship, and responsive service.
As the business expanded, so did its impact. Hood Tooling & Machine grew to nearly 20 employees, many of whom entered the shop with little or no machining experience. Kelly took pride in mentoring employees and helping them develop skills that opened doors to careers in aerospace, automation, and advanced manufacturing. Looking back, he doesn't point to equipment or revenue as the company's greatest achievement. Instead, he says,
"Probably the biggest success story we'd have is the team we built."
Several former employees have gone on to successful careers throughout the manufacturing industry, while others still stop by the shop or ask if the company is hiring again. For the Hoods, those relationships are a reminder that investing in people can have an impact long after an employee leaves the company.
Like many manufacturers, Hood Tooling & Machine eventually faced challenges outside of its control. Several of the company's largest customers were acquired, and manufacturing operations were relocated out of state, resulting in a significant loss of business in a relatively short period of time. Rather than dwelling on the setback, Kelly and Patricia focused on doing right by their employees while planning for the future.
Patricia remembers, "We probably held on a little longer than we should have financially because they were good workers and good people. We wanted to make sure they were taken care of."
It was a difficult season, but one that reinforced the values they had built the company on. Their commitment to treating employees with respect helped preserve relationships that continue today, and many former team members have expressed interest in returning as the company grows again. That commitment to people extends beyond the walls of the shop. Kelly has spent decades sharing his knowledge with the next generation of manufacturers, volunteering with local machining programs and supporting technical education opportunities in the community. The Hoods believe manufacturing offers meaningful careers for people willing to learn, and they see mentorship as an important part of strengthening the industry. Whether working with students, new machinists, or experienced employees, they have always believed that helping others succeed ultimately strengthens their business and their community.
With that same mindset, Kelly and Patricia joined the Rural Manufacturing Advancement Program (RAMP) to focus on the next stage of Hood Tooling & Machine's growth. While manufacturing had always been their expertise, they recognized the opportunity to strengthen the business side of the company by developing new marketing strategies, expanding customer outreach, and planning for long-term growth. Through RAMP, the company has also positioned itself to pursue new opportunities in the aerospace and defense sectors after earning industry certifications that open doors to additional markets.
As Hood Tooling & Machine looks to the future, Kelly and Patricia remain focused on growing the business without losing sight of the values that brought them this far. Patricia is optimistic about what's ahead.
"We're excited about the future. Our goal is to grow the business, build our team again, and continue supporting our community the way we always have."
That vision continues to guide every decision they make. By combining decades of manufacturing experience with a commitment to continuous improvement, Hood Tooling & Machine is well positioned for its next chapter, creating new opportunities for employees, customers, and the manufacturing industry across Arkansas.
Learn More:
Hood Tooling & Machine LLC
Website: https://www.hood-tm.com