Our mission is to retain secure manufacturing jobs in Chicago and sustain pathways to the middle class for area residents. Our belief is that a strong manufacturing base with opportunities for skill growth and advancement is a vital part of the urban fabric. We seek to cultivate and serve our customers, employees, and the community and environment where we work.
Angel Borrero
Shipping Lead
Angel makes sure parts are securely wrapped and headed in the right direction. He has mastered the game of tetris often required to pack parts for shipment.
Ashley Minefee
Laser Operator + Welder
Ashley heard the same siren call of manufacturing as Lucy. She comes to FW from Chicago Women in Trades' Women in Welding in Welding program, leaving behind the world of academic IT administration. Ashley brings with her welding prowess for product finishing and assembly, and considerable IT skills for laser layout and programming.
Claire Shingler
Finance + HR
Claire brings her considerable skills to FW -- improving methods, processes, and structures to grow our organizational effectiveness. Claire has been heavily involved in community organizing in the Bowmanville neighborhood of Chicago, and in national efforts such as the Women's March Chicago, Illinois Women March on Springfield, and Pink Hat Run. She has a BS in Math from University of Florida, and an Master's Degree in Organizational Behavior from Trinity College in Dublin.
Isaiah McMullen
Shop Apprentice
Isaiah came to FW from Manufacturing Connect, Manufacturing Renaissance’s Career Pathways program. He graduated from the Academy of Scholastic Achievement as salutatorian in 2021, and received an accreditation from the National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS).
Juan Abad
Shop Lead
Juan has over a decade at metal fabrication. He started in the shipping department and worked his way through all areas of fabrication. Juan leads the shop team, advises clients on manufacturability, and manages all equipment operations and maintenance.
Liz Kloster
Founder + CFO
Liz can’t believe Lucy talked her into buying a metal shop. Throughout her career she has worked extensively with manufacturing and non-profit organizations as an auditor, internal auditor, consultant, and member of the finance and executive teams. Currently Liz works primarily with organizations going through a significant structural change and/or period of growth, and provides consultation in areas of finance and human resources. She has done extensive board work and currently sits on the boards of two non-profit organizations whose missions inspire her. Liz was a Strobel Honors Accounting Major at DePaul University and earned a Master's Degree in Social Justice and Community Development from Loyola University.
Lucy Minturn
Founder + CEO
Lucy finally has the metal shop she’s always wanted. She began her career in finance, first at Lehman Brothers then Morgan Stanley, where she was deeply involved in emerging market equity IPOs, privatizations, and currencies. She left finance to pursue manufacturing at an architectural metal shop in Queens, and went on to spend a decade in high-end finishings for architects, designers, and artists – both as an owner and operator of various companies. Lucy also has experience guiding non-profit institutions in both executive and board capacities. She graduated with honors from Vassar College, and has a Master's Degree in Cultural Anthropology from New York University.
Pedro Ruiz
Lead Former
Pedro also has over a decade in metal forming. He is highly skilled in press brake set up, and can bend metal into origami.