One of the most common expressions here at Reata comes from a famous philosopher. No, this quote doesn’t come from the likes of Aristotle, Plato, Locke, Nietzsche, or Voltaire. It comes from a modern philosopher—a Jedi Master, to be specific: Yoda.
“Do or do not; there is no try.” -Yoda
It’s a simple yet powerful statement that shapes how we operate as a precision machine shop. For our customers, this philosophy translates to accountability, transparency, and positive outcomes.
The Problem with “Trying”
Years ago, our founder, Grady Cope, overheard a conversation between a team member and a customer. Our customer asked when the part would be delivered, and the employee replied, “I’ll try to have it to you by Friday.” When the call ended, the customer hung up, likely thinking they would receive the part on Friday, as he was told. But in reality, our team member subconsciously knew the part likely wouldn’t get sent out until the following Monday or Tuesday; they just didn’t want to let the customer down.
This lightbulb moment for Grady highlighted a critical issue: using the word “try” signals uncertainty and leaves room for failure. If there’s one thing our customers don’t want, it’s ambiguity! It became clear to Grady at that moment that “trying” wasn’t good enough—our team needed to commit to clear timelines and concrete results.
The Culture at Reata, Zedi Master Approved
Our commitment to Yoda’s insightful quote reflects the broader can-do attitude we embody at Reata. Here are some principles that reflect our culture:
Head-On Approach
We don’t shy away from challenges—in fact, we actively seek them out. Whether we’re tackling complex CNC machining projects, assembly and sub-assembly work, or other complicated undertakings, we complete each job with confidence and determination.
Transparency and Open Communication
One of the ways this philosophy benefits our customers is through open communication. We’re transparent and honest about project timelines and challenges. If an issue arises, we proactively communicate with our customers to prevent it from escalating. This approach builds trust and ensures smoother workflows.
In critical industries like defense and aerospace machining, where timelines are critical, honesty and accuracy are essential. We recently had an aerospace customer tell us not to sugarcoat lead times. What mattered most to them was that they had their parts on time, whether that delivery date was in 10 weeks or 12. For this company and all our customers, it’s vital that our team is transparent in our communications and accurate in our delivery dates.
Honesty and Accountability
When we commit to delivering a part by a specific date, we hold ourselves accountable—and that accountability sets us up for success. Even when timelines feel tight, our team finds a way to get the job done. It’s almost like magic (or the Force): when we set a firm deadline, the part gets sent out on schedule.
Growth Through Learning and Problem-Solving
At our precision machine shop, we understand that mistakes can happen, but we view them as opportunities for growth. Admitting when something goes wrong and taking responsibility requires strength and confidence. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement, we empower our team to learn from challenges and develop cutting-edge solutions.
Respect for Our Customers
Our team respects the critical role we play in our customers’ supply chains. We’re not just participants—we’re direct contributors to their success. When we commit to a timeline, we understand that our customers are relying on us to keep their projects on track.
“I tried my best” and “I’m sorry” don’t cut it in industries where delays can have significant financial consequences. Our customers deserve the best, and that’s why we’re committed to delivering on our promises. No excuses.
Partner with a Precision Machine Shop That Delivers
At Reata, we don’t try—we do. Our can-do attitude and unwavering commitment to transparency and accountability make us a trusted precision machine shop for customers across a number of industries.
Ready to work with a manufacturing partner that believes “there is no try”? Discuss your next project with Reata today!