October 7, 2026 update: historical interview and buyer context
Originally published November 14, 2018. The original interview discusses the company’s beginnings, moldmaking work, and approach to learning new technology. Those first-person answers are preserved as statements made for the 2018 feature.
This editorial update does not verify the company’s current operating status, ownership, address, staffing, equipment, or certifications. Readers considering a project should confirm current details directly through independently verified company contact information before relying on the historical listings below.
Questions to bring to a supplier conversation
For a moldmaking RFQ, clarify the intended part, material, production expectations, tooling scope, sampling responsibilities, and acceptance requirements. Confirm whether design, machining, EDM, molding, and related work are included in the proposed scope or require separate arrangements.
Ask who will review the RFQ, which information is missing, and when a useful next response can be expected. Agree on an approved transfer method before sending confidential or controlled technical files. Keep any technical commitments tied to the reviewed requirements and current quotation.
A lesson for machine shop websites
The interview format helps readers understand the people and decisions behind a business. A current capability page should pair that story with verified services, clear limitations, and an easy inquiry route. Date older profiles so buyers can distinguish historical background from information they should use in supplier qualification.
For a practical next step, read the machine shop website checklist and RFQ qualification guide. The original interview follows, with its period-specific statements preserved.
Original 2018 interview
Welcome back everyone, and we would like to apologize for the delay in featuring a new shop; however, the wait was certainly worth it. For this installment in our Machine Shop Of The Week series we head to Fraser, Michigan to meet Zero Tolerance CNC (historical website link unavailable when checked October 7, 2026).
So jumping right into it, how did you get started?
We started our business in Lawrence Kansas while I was still working as a full time employee with a different company. We bought our first CNC mill in 2011 and I had to totally rebuild it myself, it took 3 months. From there we acquired more used equipment until we reached the point where we had a fully equipped machine shop. Originally from Michigan, my wife Jamie and I made a decision to sell our homes in Kansas and move back to Michigan to live with my parents until we had the company (Zero Tolerance, LLC) fully funding itself in its new location. Our growing family moved into my parent’s basement and lived there for 3 years until we thought the timing was right to make it on our own again while running the shop. During our time living with my parents we had our 4th son, Eli James. Hit the fast forward button 3 years… and we have a great family of employees that have helped us continue to grow and be the best we can be. We have purchased our first shop building and also recently purchased another company called Sunspot Tooling Systems. We can’t wait to see what the future holds!
What are some struggles you have had along the way of growing your shop?
Trying to stay up-to-date with all the new technology in the world so we can provide the best possible outcomes for our customers and staff.
What should we know that makes your shop unique?
We pride ourselves on hitting deadlines and making sure any job that comes out of our shop is as close to perfect as it can be. We have the willingness to continue to learn, whatever our customers need and if it can be done we WILL figure it out! We are always striving for perfection – achieving and delivering excellence.
What are your capabilities/services?
We are a plastic injection mold machine shop our services are:
-Design/Build Plastic Injection Molds
-Sinker EDM Burning
-Mold Design
-3D Printing
-CNC Machining/programming
-Benching and Spotting
-Fixturing
-Injection Molding
Do you specialize in working in a particular industry or industries?
We work with a lot of different industries such as Medical, Automotive, Military, Consumer Products…etc. We do it all!
Tell us about a unique job you’ve done.
Some unique work we’ve done as a company has been related to technology and the internet. We worked on a project called MYCROFT funded and started on Kickstarter it is the OG of Amazon Alexa or the Echo Dot. We built the mold for the body of the robot and seeing the journey their company has gone through and the success has been really cool, and it was awesome we were able to be apart of it.
Another cool job was when we built molds that make an Iphone case called, Slyder. The back of the case slides out so you can put your credit cards and license in the back of your phone, or money! Along the way I’ve been brainstorming a new invention called SMARTSPOT. A phone holder for your car that fits right into your cars cup holder, it holds your phone, drink, charging cords and best of all… ITS NOT MOUNTED ON YOUR WINDSHIELD! With the ever increasing dangers of having our phones constantly in our faces when driving SMARTSPOT gives drivers the option of putting your phone in a place that is NOT a distraction or obstruction but is in reach. Promoting the wise choice to leave your phone in the SMARTSPOT while driving, could save a life.
Additional Company Information
- Website zerotolerancecnc.com
- Phone (586) 630 3032
- Mailing Address 33419 Kelly Road Fraser, MI 48026
- Facebook Page URL facebook.com/zerocnc
- Instagram Page URL www.instagram.com/ZEROCNC
- Owner(s) Name(s) Steve & Jamie Michon
