I’ve been working at Stortz Tools for four days, and here’s what I’ve noticed (especially compared to a 200 person “Corporate America” company):

You feel like you’re making money

When I did something “well” at my previous job, I got a few “good jobs” or pats on the back, but my salary didn’t really increase. My productivity didn’t always match my worth (at least in my mind).

Working for yourself, or at least a group of three or four of you, 100% feels different. My work directly impacts the company. The money I “generate” is real. There’s a REASON to stay late.

The hours are better

I still show up at 8, but I wake up later because my commute to work is a 10 minute walk compared to a 35 minute drive. HOWEVER, I leave around 4:30, which means I get home around 4:40, compared to 6:00.

At my old work, I didn’t necessarily HAVE to stay until 5:00, but it was sort of expected. If I left earlier, the others felt slighted. When you only work with your two brothers, there are no punches to be pulled.

Using actual paper

At my old job, I rarely used actual paper. I thought only archaic companies used real paper. HOWEVER, I see now there’s a real use for real paper. We use WAY more real paper than I’d seen before, and although I think SOME of it can be unnecessary (we can take notes in Google Sheets, brothers), most of it is.

Working with Tom & Jeff isn’t bad (yet)

It’s only been four days so it’s hard to tell, but the relationship so far is essentially I ask a ton of questions, they answer, and if I’m doing anything ‘wrong’, they constructively give feedback. Nothing has been tense, yet.

The opportunity is REAL

“LET’S GOOOOO”

Again, it’s only been four days, but I think that by just adding another person, the opportunity is real. HOWEVER, adding someone who ‘knows’ data (which I’m saying I do) is even bigger. My gut tells me that a few tweaks here and there could have a big impact.

Since 1853

I honestly cannot imagine how this place functioned in 1953, let alone 1853. It’s nuts to think about the transformations this company has endured. Even 15 years ago was dramatically different, how the hell did it work 150 years ago?

I’m very proud to part of a five generation family business like this as there’s certainly a connection to the past.