Leonard Machine, a Cookeville, TN based machine shop produces parts for commercial valves, nuclear, commercial electronics, deep hole drilling, medical tooling, automotive, construction. The company was recently awarded a contract with the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) to create tank components for the U.S. Military.

When owner Jade Thrasher was a little girl, she found everything about her dad’s job as the manufacturing manager at Leonard Machine interesting – and all the employees felt like family to her. About a decade ago, when the shop was up for sale, she and her husband decided to truly make it part of their family and purchase the business. Her dad promised to have their backs, and they convinced Jade’s brother Tyler Peek to move home from Nashville to be the Purchasing Manager. Jade says, “The best part about Leonard Machine is each employee is truly part of our family, and we all get to grow together!”

In 2024, the business’s main supplier wasn’t sending as many parts to be machined. Tyler knew something needed to be done to carve out a new path for the business. He began to talk to his contacts and ask about different places to find work. One of the suppliers suggested doing business with the U.S. Government, telling him it would take some hard work, but it would pay off. 

As he researched how to do business with the government, Tyler discovered the Tennessee APEX Accelerator and began working with Middle Tennessee Counselor Debbie Barber and Manufacturing Specialist Stephen Blake.

Tyler says, “They were with me every single step of the way: signing up for SAM, PIEE, JCP, DIBBS and getting my NIST score. All of these are things I would have struggled astronomically with were it not for the guidance of Debbie and Stephen. They met with me on a Zoom call every single week until I was ready to start submitting bids. Their combined wisdom and professionalism are truly unrivaled by anyone I have worked with. I knew that with them, I could achieve great things if I just listened and did the work.”

According to Debbie Barber, “Tyler and his team were serious about wanting to pursue government contracts. They listened, learned and did the work they needed to do to get their business ready to start bidding. They followed the instructions we provided and, based on what they knew their capabilities to be, proceeded to find opportunities to grow their business and become a preferred vendor with the federal government. They did the work that was required to be a responsive, responsible bidder and that has paid off with an award from DLA after just one year!”

“I know without a doubt that I wouldn’t be in the same position I am in today without the help of Debbie Barber and Stephen Blake at the Tennessee APEX Accelerator. They played a crucial role in our future at Leonard Machine. Other prime contractors will be able to see that we have what it takes to handle contracts of this caliber. We now have an avenue to create more work in our community by hopefully expanding and offering jobs right here in Cookeville Tennessee and the surrounding area. Debbie and Stephen will forever have my gratitude,” stated Tyler.

Join the Tennessee APEX Accelerator in congratulating Leonard Machine on its achievements! Find out more about Leonard Machine at www.leonardmachine.com.