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One thing Eric Stieb learned when he was a student at Southeast Community College was to seize his opportunities. Through curiosity and asking several questions, he also learned the skills necessary to do the job.

“SCC gave me the basic tools and instruction needed to enter the workforce,” Stieb said. “I was able to seize opportunities in order to contribute right away. My advice to those entering the manufacturing field is to be patient and do your best. Be curious and ask a lot of questions. Success will come.”

Stieb earned a Manufacturing Engineering & Technology degree in 1992 as well as a Machine Tool & Die degree in 1993. After graduation, he made career stops at Lincoln Tool & Design and a startup company, MetalQuest Unlimited. Along the way he learned a thing or two to help him advance his career.

“At Lincoln Tool & Design I became proficient in toolmaking, CNC programming and operation, mold design, machine design and implementation, and execution of a new Cam software system,” he said. “While at MetalQuest, I was responsible for creating a CNC milling department and implementing machines, processes, and software as well as procurement of new customers.”

 Ready for a new challenge, Stieb created a business plan for a startup company of his own. In 1999 he co-founded Zermatt Tool, Inc., which focused on CNC manufacturing and prototyping. In 2015, the company purchased Bighorn Arms and rebranded it as Zermatt Arms, a precision firearm component manufacturer.

“Through sheer grit, determination and relentlessness, I was able to procure and cultivate valuable customer relationships providing diversification within the industries that include aerospace, bioscience, food processing and firearms,” Stieb explained. “In 2015 I was responsible for the purchase of a small firearms company with average sales of $250,000 per year. Within five years, sales improved eight fold.”

Since the manufacturing industry impacts virtually everything we use on a day-to-day basis, Stieb looks for hardworking employees passionate about the trades. It is part of what makes his company and its employees successful.

“When you go to work, do it and do it well,” said Stieb. “To quote Ashton Kutcher, ‘Success looks a lot like hard work.’ Perhaps a bit corny, but still very true.”

‌Jennifer Snyder
Communications Specialist
402-323-3393
jsnyder@southeast.edu